Moon Ye Ma

Moon Ye was born on October 16, 1926, in Toishan Guangdong. Her father chose her name, Moon Ye, which means "satisfaction" in English. She had two older brothers and two older sisters. By naming her Moon Ye, her father expressed his contentment with having three daughters and his hope for more sons. Indeed, a year later, her younger brother was born. There were 7 siblings in the family.

Moon Ye's father was a highly successful herbalist who employed maids to manage the household. Because she didn't have to contribute to the family's upkeep, Moon Yee spent her after-school hours socializing with friends and playing card games. Thanks to her sharp and strategic thinking, she often emerged as the winner.

During that era, marriages were arranged by parents. Moon Ye wed Tak Jing Ma at the age of 19. Her only glimpse of him before their marriage was when he visited her family with the matchmaker. Despite this brief encounter, their marriage endured for 80 years.

A year later, the couple welcomed their first child, a boy, bringing them immense joy. Over the next few years, they were further blessed with a boy and a girl. Unfortunately, due to limited access to modern medicine and poor healthcare conditions, all three children passed away during their childhood. Despite these profound losses, her love for children remained unwavering.

In 1950, the young family embarked on a new chapter, immigrating to Hong Kong with their four-year-old son, Bing Lung. A year later, they welcomed Sui Chi, and as the family grew, so did their joy with the arrival of Sui Ling, Sui Sun, Sui Hing, Sui Pik, Sui Jane and Ping Pang. Despite having only a Grade 6 education, Moon Ye exhibited a remarkable talent for mastering skills that would significantly shape and enrich her family's lives.

As a devoted mother, she took on the demanding task of preparing three meals a day for the big family. Since there was no refrigerator during that time, she had to go to the market twice daily for grocery. Her culinary skills were outstanding, turning ordinary ingredients into mouthwatering dishes. Dishes like stuffed bitter melon, beef soup with ginger, and herbal chicken soup were just a few examples. Even instant noodles became a delight in her capable hands.

In addition to her daily responsibilities, Moon Ye took great care in preparing festive foods for various celebrations throughout the year. Each festival was marked by her exquisite cooking, which brought family and friends together and created lasting memories.

She devoted herself completely to her family, working tirelessly to meet their needs. Despite the house being over 1,000 square feet, she often mopped the floors by hand to maintain cleanliness. Every season, she meticulously arranged appropriate bedding to keep everyone comfortable and snug. Her careful seasonal bedding setups reflected her meticulous attention to detail and her commitment to creating a warm, caring home.

Her husband, Tak Jing, cherished her deeply and constantly showed his affection through thoughtful gestures. He supported her tirelessly, investing in electrical appliances to ease her housework and frequently surprising her with beautiful jewelry and tailor-made clothing. These acts of love were a testament to his admiration and the deep bond they shared.

In 1980, Moon Ye and her family immigrated to Edmonton, Canada, embarking on a new chapter of their lives. Her transition to the new country was swift and seamless, thanks to her adaptability and determination. Her culinary skills continued to shine making delicious dishes from local ingredients that were distinct from those in Hong Kong.

Her husband, Tak Jing, supported her in this transition by teaching her English, which she picked up rapidly. This enabled her to feel more at home in her new surroundings. Moon Ye was also curious about her new city and eagerly explored it by taking public transit even though she only knew limited English to communicate. Her adventurous spirit allowed her to navigate the city confidently and safely, always returning home without getting lost.

In 1990, Moon Ye and Tak Jing became members of the Edmonton Chinese Baptist Church and were baptized in 1993. They made new friends and engaged in numerous church activities. Most importantly, they embraced biblical teachings that helped them apply these principles to their everyday lives. Moon Ye, in particular, had a passion for Bible studies and memorized many verses, which she could still recite well into her late 90s. She especially cherished the books of Psalms and Proverbs.

With all her children now grown, Moon Ye found herself with more personal time. She had a long-standing passion for Chinese opera, which she had loved since she was young. This passion extended to the digital age, where she enjoyed exploring a wide variety of music clips on YouTube. Whether it was classical Chinese melodies or modern tunes, her curiosity and enthusiasm for music knew no bounds.

She also had a deep passion for traveling with Tak Jing, delighting in exploring new destinations, especially those with beautiful gardens. Some of her most cherished vacations included enchanting cities like Rome, Budapest, and Florence, as well as vibrant places such as Vancouver, San Francisco, and Las Vegas. She enjoyed the serene landscapes of Hawaii and the scenic beauty of Stockholm, Helsinki, and Oslo. Memorable adventures also took her to Boston, on an Eastern European cruise, and to the picturesque islands of the Philippines. Her travels even led her to the bustling streets of Beijing, each destination adding a unique and treasured experience to her journey.

Moon Ye’s life is a beautiful tapestry woven with unwavering devotion, incredible resilience and boundless love. As a mother, she pour her love and devotion into every moment and every action. Her deep, enduring love for her husband, her quick ability to embrace new environments and skills and her exceptional culinary talents are just a few reflections of her remarkable character. Central to her existence is her family, around whom she centers her life with grace and dedication. Her legacy is one of profound love and heartfelt commitment, and her impact on those she loves will be felt for generations to come.

Moon Ye is survived by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Services were held at Hainstock’s Funeral Home. He was laid to rest in Rosehill Cemetery, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.