In Memory of

Lanna

Mo-Lan

Cheung

Obituary for Lanna Mo-Lan Cheung

In loving memory, Law Mo-Lan (Lanna) Cheung, beloved mother, wife, sister, aunt and teacher.
It has been a year and finally have enough strength to share my thoughts on what an amazing mom she was to me. She taught me to be a kind, generous person and to love unconditionally.

My mom’s favorite greetings: "How are you? Are you OK?" And usually before we even have a chance to reply she would already say, “I am fine thank YOU!” If you are not deemed worthy for conversation she would be wheeling off to her next adventure. She always manages to find trouble in her own unique way and her actions always entertained everyone around her. She was a happy go lucky person and brought joy to all those around her.

Her life was a hard one but not once has she ever complained about. In fact, that probably made her the strongest person I know. Shortly after graduating from university, she was a teacher adored by her students. She made such a positive impact on their lives that even after she left Hong Kong, they still managed to keep in touch with her after all these years. And now, they still keep in touch with me, which I find bittersweet but comforting.

After immigrating to Canada, she worked even harder and helped out wherever she could. At times she had 4 or even 5 jobs to ensure there was shelter and food on the table for her entire family. Not just for her immediate family, but for the extended as well. She had 10 siblings in total and since she was the oldest sister there was no question when grandma passed, she took on the mother role within the family. She was the most generous person I know and am sure others felt the same about her. Honestly, if you needed the shirt off her back, she would give it to you without hesitation. If you have no home, she would open hers to you. Even though she did not have much and struggled with financial and health issues, she still manage to find happiness in sharing a good meal with family and shared all that she had. She never complained about all the hours she worked and how little sleep she got. I remember as a child, my mommy time was watching her sleep those few hours but I did not mind because I did not have to share her with anyone else. She was all mine! I would like to believe that she is like I remember as a child, peacefully resting.

When she was at Eagle Ridge Manor, she viewed it as being at the Western Bay Shore Inn and was on vacation indefinitely: a blessing in disguise. It was a hotel where she had worked, but because of her call bell and full time meal service and nursing/care staff that always took care of her needs; she regarded it as at hotel with room service and was happy there. For the most part, she was active with social activities and especially musical ones because she loved singing and the piano or playing bingo. Some thought that maybe it was unfortunate that she was stuck there, but on the contrary she was not at all because she was always out and about which lead her to win a few awards for having the most steps at the home. She had the best sense of humor, sometimes before seeing her you could already hear her infectious laugh from afar. She also enjoyed eating out since often after the "How are you?", shortly comes "What is there to eat?" I think her favorite would be the local Japanese restaurant, then cake and ice cream would come a close second. Despite everything that has happened, she lived a full life until the end.

Not sure who left this lovely note in the memory box “Her strength lives on in you”. I will cherish that forever, thank you. To all of us that was touched by her kindness and love, I would like to believe that we are the priceless legacy she left behind.