Mrs. Lily Kam Lai Chok, Chiu, was born on Jan 29, 1924 in Hong Kong. She grew up in a family of fifteen children. She was the thirteenth child. After second world war she worked as a kindergarten teacher. She married Mr. Tin Yau, Chiu. Together, they had two daughters (Helen Leong and Winnie Gee) and two sons (Stephen and Matthew Chiu), She has 9 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
After marriage she resigned from teaching and single focused her love and efforts on taking care of the family. She held high expectations for our education, believing that discipline and effort are key to our future success. Yet, within her firm guidance, there is a deep well of love and warmth that radiates through everyday interactions with us. She has deep interest in developing us physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. She hired many tutors to help us in our study. She joined a club that we could learn swimming and tennis. She intentionally met with teachers and principals to show her parental support. She made sure we knew success came from hard work and being nice to others.
After my father passed away in 1963. my mother inherited the family stock brokerage business. She worked as the owner and treasurer of the firm. She bore many hardships and successes through the up and down of the stock market. She was one of a kind in the male dominant stock market industry. She was well-respected by her employees, customers and business partners.
She immigrated to Montreal, Canada with her family in 1976 where she enjoyed her retirement years. She lived with Winnie and Ben close to 50 years from Montreal to Boston. She was a lifetime learner. Wherever she went, she always explored learning opportunities like French, English, painting, cooking, and knitting.
She was a devoted Christian who loved and trusted God. She attended worships and sunday school every Sunday. Whenever she faced troubles, she led the family to sing the hymn “Jesus leads me. “. This became our family song. Grand children always remember seeing her knelt down to pray for each family members. Mother taught us well by trusting the Lord in all occasions. Her life testified “The Lord cares for the orphans and widows, but he frustrates the plans of the wicked.” Psalm 146:9
She was very gracious, friendly, generous and hospitable. She loved to help and feed people. She was admired for her modesty, pleasant, loving, patience, resilient, forgiving woman. She always had a smile on her face. She was well-liked and had many friends. She loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She smiled a lot when she saw pictures of them.
In the past 4 years Mrs. Chiu became weak and sick. She was taken good care by Winnie and Ben, and a team of caregivers. At the later stages of her life by the mercies of God, she suffered little pain and always had good spirit. On January 9, 2025 she passed away peacefully at home. At the age of 101 she has returned home to be with the Lord forever. Amen.
Mother, we thank you of your love and sacrifices for us. We miss you.