Obituary of Wai Yu (Mary) YEE (nee Young)

October 10, 1939 – Kongmoon, China
April 22, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Wai Yu (Mary) Yee of Calgary, Alberta, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 22, 2021 surrounded by family.

Wai was born in Kongmoon, China, and in her 20s, fled to Hong Kong with her family. She worked in a shoe store where she would meet her future sister-in-law. Through discussions it was discovered this customer had a charming brother who was living in Canada. After many letters and several meetings, Wai would immigrate to Regina, Saskatchewan, in 1970 to marry Mee Chew “Joe” Yee. Joe had two children from a previous marriage – Greg and Garvey – who Wai treated with kindness and love. 

Moving to Canada proved to be not a life of luxury but one that demanded hard work. With two babies in tow, Wai would attend school to learn English and work in the family business, Kowloon Confectionary, a store that included Chinese groceries. In 1981, the confectionary was converted to Kowloon Restaurant. Wai worked tirelessly in the restaurant, learning all the skills required to run the kitchen. Wai never did pick up much on the English vocabulary, but she would always say hello, smile and nod so that one would think she understood every word! Customers loved chatting with her so much and at some point, they decided she needed a Canadian name. Through discussions, they agreed Mary was a great name to go with Joe, and that’s how Mary became her adopted name.

In 2001, when Mary and Joe retired, they split their time between Calgary and Toronto and eventually, Calgary and Virginia, to help with their younger grandchildren. She loved doting on the grandbabies. If she was not making soup for the family, she was sewing, knitting, or watching Chinese soap operas. Music was always played in her room. She enjoyed small catnaps and told us often how refreshing they were.

Leaving to cherish her memory are her children, Greg Yee of Fort Qu’appelle, Saskatchewan, Garvey Yee of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Gail Yee (Joe McKeown) of Virginia, Glen Yee (Lorrane) of Calgary; grandchildren and great-grandchildren (18 in total); nephews, nieces and many caring friends and family from around the world.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, April 28, 2021 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Covid restrictions in place. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery.

If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to Calgary Health Foundation – Suite 800, 11012 Macleod Trail S.E., Calgary, AB  T2J 6A5, Telephone: (403)943-0615, www.thetrust.ca.

In living memory of Wai Yu Yee, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.