(Original message submitted, May 12, 2013)

In Memoriam: Norma Toy Har Koo – Mrs. Paul Lum…loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother.
 
Dear Paul, & children Darcel, Debbie & Bill, Daymon & Anne, & grandchildren Jasmine & Jae, Tian, John & Lisa, Duriel, Desiree, Devon, Whitney, Alyssa, & great grandchildren Makyla, Tryon, Hunter and Ashton;
 
My condolence to all of you of Norma Toy Har Koo, my good old friend and Chinese School pal throughout the years and when we were teenagers…the fun we shared together almost daily.

Norma & Paul are blessed with a great family with good children, plenty of grandchildren, and added wonderful great grandchildren are fulfillment of life happiness as the Chinese Adage: “Ho Chi, Ho Soon, & Ho Shia” is true life blessings…that Norma enjoyed and lived fully in her life with great happiness of have had you all – as I can vision her charming smiles lovingly you all!  Bless You All!!
  
I'm very sadden when I picked up to-night an outdated Vancouver Sun and saw Norma Koo  are now “Just Away” at God's Paradise in Heaven…shocked me, as we met so warmly on March 10, 2013 Chinese/Chinatown reunion luncheon at Burnaby Hilton Hotel.  When Norma's daughter Debbie came over to me Quote: “my mother wants to take a picture with you” behind her was Norma, to my greatest happy surprise!!  
 
Instead of photo at the table, I suggested, and we did, went to the photographs exhibit where there was a photo I took in 1946 of Norma, her Aunt Betty Wong Ho and Nellie Chinn Lee seated on our backyard swing when they came to visit me as we were truly good friends together during our school years.  They came to visit our new home then at 117 West 15th Ave by Manitoba which was a new privileges we Chinese then able own a House/Home away from Chinatown.  
(The other time nearest time we met was at Herbie Lim's luncheon at Queen E Park's 4 Season's Restaurant, we briefly visited because of the crowd) We were happily photographed together a keepsake photo

 
Norma lived at the back of their Crystal Fruit & Produce Market at the corner of 3rd & Commercial Dr. with her brother Teddy and parents Peter & Mamie Koo, who I fondly vividly distinctly remembers them all with Norma in my photographic memory, as I reflect back of Norma and father Peter in his beige men's smock carried the boxes of fruits in their store and mother Mamie smiling with personality serves the customers, given their consent enable Norma to be with me, Betty & Nellie's outings. The 4 of us were always doing things together, made our own fun in those simplified days without the complication of the nowadays electronic life etc…
(Before her marriage are stories of our young girls' life and teenagers in bobby sox age, I never worn them, eh! As I have many stories of each of them in the 3 generations were good friends of my parents and myself, remember forever with love)

Teddy Koo, Norma's brother, was mischievous and had joined in later in the “4 of us” in our teen years' activities. Teddy gave us girls a bad time too…in his own ways…I can still vision him in his adult years as server at the Cave Supper Club, he leaned against the wall told us jokes in his humors ways!!  Teddy, a boy got away with things that we girls/Norma, Betty, Nellie & I were restricted were not allowed. We behaved as real good young girls with manners, etiquette respectfully of our Chinese old traditional customs restricted girls from boys! 
 
 
Betty lived at the back of their Hip Sang Wholesales building as aforesaid, where Norma also hang-out with Aunty Betty as almost the same age, and her parents were busy at their store…Through the wholesaler store, where they lived entrance was the kitchen area where grandmother Wong made beautiful Chinese pastries (Tay, bow, and other goodies, especially during New Year) in those days were all homemade which we all enjoyed!  Then up a few steps was the dining and living area, where we, the 4 of us played…the “Ouija  Board” game was the most common enjoyed…From this area down the hallway each side of the hallway were rolls of bedrooms for Betty & siblings. Included was the most historical famous three Wong brothers married at the same time in elaborate Chinese Wedding, Benson & Marguerite, Banford & Winnie & Ben Chong & Jane's weddings in the traditional Chinese weddings customs and wore the Chinese formal “Kar” for the bride and men's attire. The days of wedding celebration includes 4 of us girls giggled at each of their newly wedded bedrooms was in the chronicled order of their siblings, were across from the living room where Norma, Betty, Nellie and I played. The whole family and the newly wedded brides/in-laws all lived together whether it's at the back of their business/shop as above state, or in the homes in Chinatown. Norma's uncles' above weddings were very colorful in the days of celebrations with firecrackers and huge feasts in the old family's customs and goodies with symbolic omens for a long happy life together etc…. I vision still remembers them fondly.  The whole Wong family and the beautiful young brides in their formal wedding “Kar” and flowers in their hair obeyed Norma' grandparents dominated every move, as all daughters-in-laws respectfully must do. We 4 girls also were dressed lovely too.  
 
Later years Hip Sang building was expropriated bulldozed by the City of Vancouver, for the Freeway to cut through Chinatown and renew the Georgia Viaduct to join to Upper Level Highway. 
 
There are so much great memories of Norma; she sat next to me during our years together in my parent's Kwong Gee Chinese Public School, Betty and Nellie sat behind us. The “4 of us” were closest friends throughout our younger years and we attended various activities together.  We had ‘put on dances in our Chinese School' raised fund for the Mission's floods in 1947, the Chinese School's picnics, and other functions, events and activities we enjoyed together, the “Tag days” we tagged the Chinese men in Chinatown in fund raised in November for Remembrance Days, In May was the Red Cross Carnations Tag day, and other on occasions.  We led all the girls from our Chinese School and we also won, we raised the most fund on the tag days, We were in competition with the other Chinese Schools as Wah Kiu, Mun Keung, Tai Kung Yee Hawk Chinese Schools …We played Danish Sham Ball on Chinese School's recess at the corner of Pender & Gore then Chuk Lew's Paramount Gas Station parking lot, we brought for 1 cent 5 pieces of candies across street corner is the Jong Wah Drug Store, still there and 5 cents ice cream cones, double scoop for 10 cents..
 
We laughed and Betty & Norma talked of boys, I don't, as we're all really good simple girls…Norma was very popular always with a smile, a ‘beauty' the boys adored, and dated.  We worn fashionable “baby doll” black dress shoes, flare crinoline black skirts, bloom stick floral skirts we made, worn with elegant blouses.  Truly ladylike…our good life throughout those years together of the socials and fun at functions are missed in today's world.
 
Then out of the blues “Paul won Norma's heart” we were invited to their wedding, the newly wedded Norma and Paul took off then Richmond was far away, to busily raise their family, we girls separated, each to each owns, Nellie married to San Francisco George Lee, Betty to George Ho to Edmonton, and me and my lover Dean busy established our family and business added fought for the Chinese equalities and blended the Chinese and Western Society and the best of both worlds, among many other Community, City, Province and Canada as a whole, activities and work, amongst others that we only enable see Norma here and there in a functions. And now Norma and Paul has such a wonderful family are blessed with many grandchildren and great grandchildren are “the desirous of a wonderful great life Norma have had enjoyed lovingly!”
  
I'm so shocked and sad she is ���Now Just Away”
My warmest happy memories of Norma Lum will live on in our hearts forever, ”a cherished, valued treasure", with her spirits that will shine upon all of you always and forever.   Norma would want you each to take good care of yourselves, so please do so…

                        God Bless Norma Lum Sparkling Soul
                        God Bless Norma Lum

                        Forever Loved, Forever Remembered
                        Rest in Peace Norma
 
Fondly remember Norma with my condolence to all!  God Bless All!!

(Original speech made on May 15, 2013, at funeral service) 

Memories of mom 

Mom always looked forward to the New Year's Eve dances. She would get a special 
dress made just for the occasion. With the extra material, she would have matching dresses made for Darci and my Barbie dolls. We all loved waking up New Year's Day 
morning and finding the party favors that mom and dad brought 
home for us. Always so fashionable, Darci and I use to go through her closet 
when we thought we had nothing to wear. Mom had so much clothes, she didn't even know what we had taken to wear. I even borrowed a couple leather jackets for my girlfriend Kathy and I to wear. We learned from morn not to wear anything 2 days in a 
row. Thanks to you mom Darci and I are remembered to be the best dressed in high school!  

When mom worked at Save On Meats. Mom would leave at 8:30 in the morning to 
go to the BC Royal Café and buy butterhorns and bring them home after her shift…
mmm they were the best butterhorns in town. 

Her holiday dinners included; turkey, stuffing, candied yarns, sticky rice, buttery mashed 
or scalloped potatoes and honey baked ham “THE BEST” We found out that her honey ham was spiked with a bottle of beer.  She always had plenty of food and she always made sure everyone was well fed.
 
She loved her cars as much as she loved shopping for fashionable clothes. She always looked forward to getting together with her friends at Oakridge every Saturday.  She had so much love and compassion for her friends and family. 

The Army and Navy Shoe sale "remember those days? I loved it!  Mom would allow me to skip school with my friend, Kathy to buy new shoes. She would write the notes to school for us the next day. She also, let us skip school for the $1.49 days at Woodwards,to purchase our school supplies. “Mom, you were the best!”

I'll never forget when mom and dad took Daymon and I to Las Vegas. I was only 
17 years old, and mom gave me Auntie Eva's ID. I was supposed to be her and I was 
not supposed to call mom, "mom". Well, what a surprise...mom got ID'd and I didn't!
Always looking young and beautiful! 
Her hobbies included knitting and rug hooking. She had a few unfinished project when she started watching Korean movies, and she had to read the subtitles which took a great deal of her time. 

“Mom, we are so grateful to have a mom like you. There are so many fond memories of you, just too many to list here.  We will always love and cherish you!

(Original speech made on May 15, 2013; Funeral Service)

Hello everyone 1'm Daymon.
I will try to do my best to tell you a few stories about mom. 
I may ask for some help from my cousin Ruby. Also known to me as Woobie Day Day. 

In the beginning, our house was a dog free zone until 
morn & Debbie snuck a dog into our house. Well that was the start of owning 11 dogs to this day. Later on, she loved her dogs so much that she showed pictures of them rather than pictures of her family.  Thinking back on some of the dogs Rambo the Doberman, was supposed to be a guard dog, but really was friendly.
One day, when morn took the dog out in the 
convertible to guard the car, the house got robbed.
So much for guarding the house! 
Rambo also loved sleeping with them on the water bed. Just ask dad!. 

Then comes Bruno the Rottweiler, he was such a sweet dog. He wouldn't attack anybody. He would just love stealing Mom's tea towels and have you chase him around the house and, chew mom's shoes!  Mom had so many shoes…it would make you wonder who had more - Imelda Marcos or her!  
Bruno also liked sleeping with them on the waterbed. His ritual for going to bed was to run from living room, 
crashing through their bedroom door & dive up & over 
into the bed landing between the two of them. 

Now little Tofu the Pekinese doesn't like the water bed so mom bought him a little doggie bed.  She then bought another doggie bed, then another doggie bed, and so on.  I thought this was starting to get ridiculous.  Now Tofu has five doggie beds to choose from each day!  

In my younger years, I remember hearing "Blame it on 
the Bosa Nova" playing in the basement. 
Mom and dad & their friends were practicing their fancy dance moves. I remember slow, slow, quick, quick, slow.  Hearing that so much, I would be walking to school doing the steps of the Bosa Nova! 

Mom and dad enjoyed playing mahjong. I remember the clanging of the tiles at 3 in the morning. Then someone yelling PUNG! And everyone laughing and talking about their hand. But it would be worth it cause later we would join them for hot delivered food from the Rickshaw drive Inn or Ding Ho. I could keep going on, but I will let my sister Debbie say 
a few words. 
Auntie Woobie! I did it!!

Original excerpt of message and speech was on May 15, 2013 (Funeral Service) 

What a sad day, that on April 30th, 2013, Aunty Norma passed away. Too soon.  Though, she had her own health challenges, she always carried herself well, and rarely complained, and was a big giver to family and friends.  She was an amazing, devoted daughter, beyond the call of duty, a great wife, wonderful mother, and a young looking, youthful grandmother,  and a great friend to many.
  
I have always had great respect and love for my aunt Norma, especially the past 7 years, as we got to know each other, and realized, the mutual respect for each other, and enjoyed each other's company, laughing, sharing a family story during my visits or talks with her.

Some other memories of mine of her; she is a very hard worker, puts her family first, has this amazing ability to do everything well, and  make it looks so easy. She was always so stylish, and did it so effortlessly.  She often looked like she a fashion model or movie star, and, best part, is she had a big heart, and never looked pretentious or never was a snob.  She was a very classy woman. 

She is my dad's only sister and they were very close. 

My mom (Pearl), told me a great a story when Norma was a teenager.  My mom visited Vancouver, (she lived in Victoria then).  Teenager Norma and Pearl, who became friends, and who was dating her brother ted (my dad).  Norma, said, ‘Let's go out, and she took the keys to her brother Ted's rental car, (without him knowing), and she drove off for about a block, with my mom in the car…Norma laughed, as she didn't even have her driver's licence yet! Her brother Ted was upset though. 

We will miss her greatly.  But remember, during the times where  there's a tugging in our hearts of the loss…that is when we can recollect of the great memories we had with her, and we can smile and feel blessed having her in our lives.   She is an angel…and I know she is in good hands with God In heaven…with my dad watching over her, and all her loved ones who had passed on before her...in heaven…where else would an angel be?  (If Aunty Norma heard what I said, she would say, "Oh Dana, don't be so silly”! )

I would like to share with all of you ...this wonderful aunt, wife, mother, sister and friend....
There are people in our lives that we will meet that will imprint in our hearts always.
Aunt Norma happens to be one of these people…

I regret that I was not able to spend more time with her. 
But... when I would run into to her the first thing she would say to me was... How are you doing? When are you coming up to the house for dinner? She always welcomed everyone with open arms no matter what was going on in our lives.  

I think we can all agree with this...
My brother Darren said, Auntie Norma's life is a treasured reflection of her devotion to family and friends.
We will always have memories of her kindness and giving soul! Her great sense of humor! Her infectious laughter! Her love of life! And of course her impeccable sense of style.
I would like to share this quote...

Weep not for me though I am gone into that gentle nigh.
Grieve if you will, but not for long upon my souls sweet flight.
I am at peace; my soul's at rest there is no need for tears'
For with your love I was so blessed for all those many years.
There is no pain; I suffer not, the fear now all is gone.
Put now these things out of your thoughts.
And in your memories I will live on ~ Celebrate my life!
As Lesley said; Aunt Norma – you're a rock stars – you “rock”

On behalf of the large extended Lee family, our deepest sympathies.  My  parents, aunts and uncles always spoke of how exceptionally nice Aunt Norma was.  She always greeted people with such a warm smile.  Sorry for your loss.

Uncle Paul and my dear cousins,  On behalf of my family, we are saddened to hear about the passing of Auntie Norma.  When I think of your mom, my heart fills with love and smiles.  She made everyone feel welcomed and loved.  Auntie Norma, you will be missed by us all.  Much love, Ann-Marie, Stephen and Connor

Uncle Paul and my dearest cousins,  On behalf of my family, we are saddened to hear about Auntie Norma's passing. When I think of your mom, my heart warms with love and smiles. She made everyone feel welcomed and loved.  Heaven is graced to have the most beautiful angel amongst them. Much love to you all. Ann-Marie, Stephen and Connor

We are so saddened to hear about the loss of Auntie Norma.  She was a very special lady who will missed by many.  May she rest in peace.

Paul, I am so sorry to hear of your loss.  Remembering you and your loved ones today and always.   Elinor (Zellers)

The memories of Auntie Norma's life is a treasured reflection of her devotion to family and friends, love of life, never ending smiles and laughter and impeccable sense of style.

Aunty Norma, rest in peace, god bless, Verna Lum

Aunt Norma ... You will be greatly missed by all! Sunshine and smiles

To my beautiful cousin Norma.  We have shared many good times with a lot of fun and laughter throughtout the years.  I will always cherish the memories and I will miss you forever.  Love Donna

Aunty Norma, you were one in a million.  Shocked and saddend by your passing...fond memories of you alleviates the sadness.  You will be greatly missed. Lotsa love forever, your neice, Dana Koo

Paul, and family, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Norma. My deepest condolences to all the Lum family. Norma will be missed by all. I will always remember her fondly.
Sheila Rebelato
(Leo and Dorothy's Daughter)

I will miss you auntie.  You'll be making everyone in Heaven smile too !!

To my dear cousins,

Our deepest sympathy to all for your  loss.  Cousin Norma will be greatly missed. We will always remember her for her kindness, her great sense of humor and her infectious laughter....
She has left us all with great memories!
Take care

Love Gladys, Gil and Family.

Auntie Norma, we love you, we love you, WE LOVE YOU!   And every time we saw you, I always said to myself, "you are one of the most beautiful people I know."  You had shown us how to live fully, passionately, bravely, and courageously, just like your own.  Now the most purest of angel is simply you.

Norma - you were so fun loving and fashionable. 

Norma - you exuded warmth, love, generosity and kindness - every time we came to see you from Edmonton you were so very hospitable.  

Thank you for your love, your kindness and that wonderful contagious laughter.

You made the world a better place to be.

Love,
Cousins Cindy, Terry and Adam

Norma was one of the kindest most generous persons we knew. Always looking out for others and sharing a meal, her time and always lending a helping hand to those in need.

Norma we will miss your smile, your gentle laugh and the love you shared with all that got to know you.

Cousin Kerry and Betty

OBITUARY

Norma Lum

February 9, 1933 – April 30, 2013

Ocean View Funeral Home & Burial Park

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