Mrs. Chow Cheung Wai Ping passed away peacefully on the morning of November 27th, 2024, at the age of 89, at Wyndham Manor in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. She is survived by her son, Henry Han Kin Chow; her daughter, Candy Chee Wing Chow; and her granddaughters, Farryn Yin Ling Sandra Klakurka and Averie Mun Ling Calvi Klakurka.

She often said she lived fully, without regrets.

 

Born in Hong Kong on June 6th, 1935, Mrs. Chow survived the horrors of World War II. She attended Ying Wa Girls’ School, completed her matriculation, and graduated from the University of Hong Kong in 1960 with a Bachelor of Arts in English. She later earned a diploma in social studies in 1961, which propelled her into a lifelong career of advancing social justice for youth.

 

During her time at university, Mrs. Chow was an active member of various committees, serving as Social Convenor of the Student Union and Public Relations Officer. She was also a key member of the Drama Society. Through her dedication, she cultivated strong, lasting friendships and led to her career in inspiring generations of youth.

 

Fondly called “Dai Bing” by her friends and “Principal Cheung” by her students, Mrs. Chow was not just a teacher but a pioneer, mentor, and quiet force for change. In 1962, alongside fellow graduates of the University of Hong Kong, she co-founded a school that began on the second floor of a building in Causeway Bay. The school grew to include campuses in San Po Kong and Chai Wan. By 1982, it had fully transitioned into a subsidized secondary institution, continuing its mission of accessible education.

 

In 1986, Mrs. Chow joined the Hong Kong Urban Council as an elected member, representing the Tsai Wan district. She was appointed Vice Chair of the Museum Select Committee in 1988, whereby she played an instrumental role as an advisor to the Hong Kong Science Museum during its construction, which opened its doors in 1991. In recognition of her contributions, she was appointed a Justice of the Peace for Hong Kong SAR on June 22nd, 1988.

 

My mother’s life was a tapestry of resilience— walking miles in hunger to escape WWII, fighting for women’s rights, raising funds for student bursaries, and standing tall as a political activist and public servant.

 

In 1993, after retiring as a school principal, she relocated to Richmond, British Columbia with her family.  Her home became a gathering place for former students, colleagues, and community members. Even in retirement, she continued her work—tutoring, chairing local chapters, contributing to committees including chairing the University of Hong Kong alumni chapter in Vancouver. She also authored Patients’ Companion, a guidebook published in 2008 to help Chinese immigrants communicate effectively with English-speaking doctors.

 

Mrs. Chow’s life wasn’t marked by grandeur but by meaningful impact. She lived with purpose, strength, and quiet grace. As she leaves this world, I hold onto the hope that her resilience and legacy will guide us forward.

 

In honor of her achievements and impact, the Chow family is establishing The Chow Foundation for the Future of Education to support post-secondary education for students to continue her legacy.

 

If you wish to make a donation pledge, you can register your interest by filling out our registration form.

 

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her. You were our foundation, our inspiration, and our guiding light. May you rest in peace.