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 Marilyn Claudia Ho Lem1915-2008“YUN OI” Mary’s Chinese name means great love. This suited her as everyone knows. “Mary or Grandma” to her family and friends was born March 3, 1915 in Victoria, BC and passed away in Dawson Creek, BC., on March 3, 2008, her 93rd birthday. She was the second child of a family of 9 born to Jin Wong & Eng Sung. Mary met Jack Ho Lem through the Chinese United Church. The Calgary congregation went to Victoria and the sparks must have been flying as a big diamond ring arrived in the mail shortly after. They married on June 1, 1938. In 1943 when the Alaska Highway was being built, there was a need for laundry and dry cleaning services. The family moved to Dawson Creek with Jack’s brothers Charlie, George and David and opened Empire Cleaners. After Jack’s death in 1962, Mary operated the business until 1973. Their family was complete with four daughters; Patricia, Sandra (Dawson Creek’s First Chinese baby), Cynthia and Carole. The family lived above Empire Cleaners making it convenient to raise and support a young family. A big part of Mary’s life was filled with family functions, her family extending to close to 125 members having reunions every 5 years for the past 30 years. Mary enjoyed traveling to weddings, graduations and birthday celebrations. These events often ended up with other plans, trips to China, the Caribbean, Hawaii and to several places throughout North America. Visiting, good food, laughter and the “family” bowling nights were enjoyed by all. In 1956 the family moved to large home on 17th street. Mary enjoyed her large garden especially her flowers and she soon had a greenhouse. In 1980 Mary moved to the Painter Farm where she had her own little suite. The farm animals gave Mary much pleasure. Spring brought her double pleasure when the new foals were born. Mary was very proud to be a member of the Order of the Royal Purple Lodge #85 for 47 years. She enjoyed being active in the community organization and was involved in all local and out of town events. There are so many ways to describe this wonderful woman: a gentle, kind, considerate, patient, generous, skilled and sociable lady. She has touched so many lives in wonderful ways. Mary was predeceased by her husband Jack; granddaughter Michelle Belak; sister Roz; brothers: David, Philip, Thomas and James; and son in-laws: John Verschoor and Garry Painter. She is survived by her daughters: Patricia, Sandra (Ron), Cynthia (Richard) and Carole; grandchildren: Leah (Wayne), Jody, Christine (Christopher) and Darren; great-grandchildren: Gavin, Shane, Alisha, Emma, Jonathan and Caiden; and siblings: Helen, Peter, Harry and Beverly. A Memorial Service was held on March 8, 2008 at the South Peace United Church, officiated by Reverend Marilyn Carroll. Inurnment will follow at a later date in the Dawson Creek City Cemetery. Memorial arrangements were entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd. Dawson Creek, British Columbia. |
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Dawson Creek: (250) 782-2577 Fort St. John: (250) 785-2872 |
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