Hong Yu

It is with the utmost regret that we announce Hong Yu’s passing on May 27 2024, four days after her 56th birthday. Hong left us from St John Hospice in Vancouver, BC in the company of her family. She is remembered by them as a devoted mother, sister, wife, and friend, as well as by her Christian community in Vancouver West as a spirited member of the faith.

Hong was born in Beijing, China in 1968 as the younger of two daughters. Though neither of her parents came from Beijing, both children were raised there and the family took root. After she met Jonathan during their studies in high school, the two established a relationship which they maintained despite going on to attend college miles apart. They eventually married in 1997 before immigrating together to Canada, living in London, Ontario while Jonathan completed his master’s degree. Hong’s collegiate studies in graphic design and English allowed her to work at a design firm in London, through which the couple became part of a tight-knit group of friends and colleagues.

Following a return to Beijing, their daughter, Elaine, was born in 2004. The family remained there for a time before moving again to Canada, this time to Vancouver, BC. Through friends in the community, Hong was introduced to the Christian faith and began attending services and Bible studies. She soon received her baptism, becoming a permanent fixture at the Dunbar Heights Baptist Church where she found a great sense of comfort and belonging. Hong was a fervent volunteer at the DHBC, as well as at her daughter’s high school and in various community events. She was especially well-known for her baked goods and confections, which were widely enjoyed by friends and neighbours.

In addition to a formidable repertoire of homemade recipes, Hong kept up drawing and painting even as her health began to decline. She filled her home with oil paintings and watercolours, and kept a box of hand-illustrated cards for any occasion. Most of her paintings consisted of flowers, birds, or natural scenery. When she was able, she enjoyed taking walks and hikes in the Endowment Lands, and she and Jonathan went on daily strolls around their UBC neighbourhood.

The impression made by Hong on all who knew her was vivacious, forbearing, and unfailingly sympathetic. Her absence will be felt by many dear friends, just as her memory will find a place within as many hearts and minds. A celebration of life will take place in the beginning of June, after which she will be laid to rest in Mountain View Cemetery.

Hong is predeceased by her father, Shou-Zheng Yu; she is survived by her husband San-Zhong (Jonathan) Yang, her daughter Elaine Yiwen Yang, her sister Juan Yu, and her mother Mu-Ming Wen. Her immediate family members reside in Vancouver as well as in Beijing, China.