07/18/2026
Despite my online presence, I’m an incredibly private person and after my mom passed away 2 days ago on July 16th, 2026 I felt staying silent would dishonor her memory.
Although a woman of few words, Mom demonstrated through action. Whether it was her daily 45 min treadmill routine for 30+ years until she was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer last year, or moving to Las Vegas on her own to open up a restaurant after losing her husband 26 years ago, she was a shining example of strength and resiliency in the face of adversity.
Despite being a widow in her mid fifties, she
owned a large apartment block, went on multiple solo trips and cruises, became a Snowbird and refused to let her dreams die simply because she lost her husband.
I thought I would relate this post to business, as she was a serial entrepreneur (Chinese Food restaurant, piano teacher, cafe owner) yet coerced me into university and then graduate school. Clearly that didn’t work (lol) and yet, when I quit my career as a scientist to become an entrepreneur she simply supported me.
Running 4 businesses over the past 18 months while caring for a sick parent was incredibly tough, especially with my travel schedule in the mix, but I wouldn’t have traded it for the world. Our conversations during quality time visits, meals, medical appointments and treatments were about business updates and general life lessons, and in many ways reminded me of all of those late nights in my early 20’s when I would come home from a long 14 hour day at university and we would simply talk for hours.
My proudest moment was being able to arrange one last family trip a few months ago where we were all together in Vancouver eating, laughing and telling stories.
Mom, if there are lessons I’m going to learn from you, it’s to keep fighting no matter what life throws at you, to do the difficult things despite how much you hate them, to always finish what you started, and to be there for your family, always.
I will miss you terribly. Rest in Peace and I’m happy you are finally reunited with Dad. The fact you passed away on Dad’s birthday is so…. “You”
