Obituary of Mamie Chen

Mamie Chen of Calgary, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2008 at the age of 80 years old surrounded by Ken Chen (her husband of 60 years), her loving children and grandchildren. She was supported in spirit by Jean (her eldest daughter), son-in-law Jing, and their children in Guongdong, China. Mamie (Mie Kuen) was born to Mah Geem Juk and his wife in Toysun Buc Sha Sun Gha Cheng Laung Lee, China on October 23, 1928 into a family of an older brother, older sister and younger sister. Her father was a schoolteacher in the village. In 1953, Mamie and Ken immigrated to Canada and settled in Calgary. She lived a full life. As a homemaker, her and Ken began setting roots for the next generation with six children born in Canada. In 1960, the family moved to Brooks, Alberta where Mamie worked with Ken to build a successful restaurant business. In 1968, the family returned to Calgary where Mamie and Ken encouraged their children to pursue solid educational backgrounds, all the while, providing her children with good values and sound work ethics. Mamie and Ken encouraged their children to successfully achieve University levels of education. Mamie was passionate about gardening, raising many varieties of vegetables and flowers. Her bright large orange dahlias prompted many compliments from passersby. She was very kind-hearted and caring towards people and animals. Mamie possessed a strong strength of character to overcome the many challenges presented to her over the course of a lifetime. She always possessed a sense of building for the future. In her younger years, Mamie liked Elvis Presley movies, had an eye for style and dress, liked bagpipe music, going for walks at the zoo, playing checkers, watching TV and sharing laughter with the kids. She had a belief in a spiritual sense to guide her through life. Mamie was an advocate of recycling long before its advent, often re-using and multi-purposing many household items such as bags, cans and bottles.. Mamie is survived by husband, Ken, her children Jean (Jing and children), Edward (Betty, children Harrison and Brendan), Henry (Elaine), Bill (Karin), Jim (Jean), Phylis (Michael and son, Jeffrey), and Lily. She was predeceased by her siblings. Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S, Crowfoot Chapel (82 Crowfoot Circle N.W.) on Saturday, November 8, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Mamie Chen a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot Chapel, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE N.W. Telephone: (403) 241-0044.