I am saddened to hear of Grace’s passing.  Her fun filled energy will be missed.  

She was always able to get me to push my limits and was one of the reasons I was able to accomplish running a marathon.   A treasured time. 

My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.

Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of Grace.
I am truly sorry to hear of her passing.She was a great help to me when I went to Vancouver over 35 years ago.
Even though I did not speak English at all, she was very kind to help me.
I was allowed to live in her condo for a time, and I really appreciated her help in my life.I don't know what my life in Canada would have been like without Grace.On our days off we had a great time going cycling with friends and eating dim sum.They all have very good memories of the time spent with her.
She is no longer with us, but I believe she lives on in my heart and in the hearts of everyone.I want to say thank you to Grace from the bottom of my heart.
Please accept my heartfelt prayers for a peaceful departure.

Makoto Murakami

Hello. My condolences to Grace`s family.  My name is John Carver and I saw Grace most mornings at 5:30 am at Delbrook. We always said hi and often shared a bit of information - like where she was going on her next trip, where I was going on mine, and how our kids were doing. She worked out hard but always had time to talk. I had decided this year I would ask her if I could join her on one of her Sunday hikes but unfortunately this was not to be. Grace started every workout with about 10 minutes of cardio then into the weights, She trained hard and I often watched her and tried out a few of her exercises. I miss seeing her in the mornings and when I see people doing exercises that she did I think of her immediately.  I was at the funeral service and after learning more about Grace, I wish I had gotten to know her better.  Annika you did a wonderful job speaking about your mom, I could see how difficult it was but you got through it. I feel sad for the entire Kao family experiencing this huge unexpected loss. We at the gym feel great sadness too.
Sincerely, John Carver

Itsuyo Matsushita

Please accept my sincerest condolences for Grace's passing.
I'm very sorry . I don't know what to say.
Grace was such a wonderful person.
I first met  her when I arrived Vancouver airport for the first time in Canada .She took me to her house and let me stay with her family until I found a place to stay and lookafter me even I was just a friend of Jhon's friend.though she didn't know me at all .
She was so kind to me and her family too. 
I can't believe she's gone.
She will always be in my heart.
Best regard
Itsuyo

The most fearless woman, the most devoted mother/wife and the most reliable friend I have ever known, I will never forget the challenging hikes and exhausting runs we had together.
With the fondness memories and deepest sadness I will always remember and cherish her friendship.

I am deeply saddened to extend my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Grace.  In my mind's eye, she will always be the vibrant, spunky, independent, strong, and adventurous-spirited woman we knew and loved for nearly 50 years.

Grace's honesty, authenticity, and generosity defined our friendship, making every moment we shared meaningful and cherished.  As I reflect on our adventures and the countless memories we created together, spanning from our childhood days to adulthood, I find myself yearning for just one more morning run as the sun rises, or one more marathon where we pushed each other to our limits.  How I long for another family get-together filled with laughter and shared stories; Grace's presence always brought joy and vitality to these gatherings.

Her resilience and spirit always shone brightly during our hikes through favourite trails and morning runs together.  Memories of joyful family gatherings, with Grace at the center, fill me with warmth and nostalgia.

I have known Grace since she was 14, and our bond has been a constant source of joy and support over the decades.  Though her passing occurred more than a couple of weeks ago, the depth of our grief is only now fully felt.  Grace's legacy of kindness and compassion will continue to inspire me deeply.  May her spirit live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

With deepest sympathy and warm regards,

John Lee

OBITUARY

Grace Gen-Ling Kao

January 24, 1963 – June 2, 2024

First Memorial Funeral Services & Boal Chapel and Memorial Gardens

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