Birthday Kiss - May 6 2010

About May

Annie Magdalene May Fox was a generous and courageous woman who was a proud grandmother, mother, wife, sister, aunt, and friend. Known to most as May or Maggie, she was born in Hong Kong in 1935 as the youngest of three sisters. She lost her mother at a young age and suffered a childhood of hardship due to WWII. As a young woman, she managed the sales department of the British firm, Dodwell. May met her husband, Leslie Fox, while volunteering for the air force. They married in 1957. May and Leslie were known to be great dancers and champion bowlers. In 1970, the couple had their daughter, Astrid. The family moved to Vancouver, Canada in 1982. In 1998, their daughter married, but the joyful event was followed by Leslie’s death 10 days later. Grief affected her health greatly. In 2000, she began dialysis due to kidney failure, resulted from long term battle with diabetes. In 2004, she was finally blessed with a grandson, Lennox.

May was known for her generosity, selflessness, and love for animals. Her hobbies included, gardening, knitting, crochetting, sewing and cooking.

Dear Family and Friends

Thank you for coming to pay tribute to a unique and strong woman - My Mom.

Everyone will reflect on different memories of her, when I think of her now, I see her as the middle age mom, when I was a teenager, I think my aunt remembers her best when they were in their teens years as shown on June 15 post. Whatever your memories are of her, it is what continues to live on.

I also thank my friends, some of whom might only know my mom through me. I thank you for being here to support me.

The events of the past week have had me contemplate about my relationship with my mom. I summed up my feelings by asking myself these questions:

What is the most important thing my mother made me realise about myself?

I may not be as fearless as her, but through self examination these past few days, I realise I AM strong and resilient. In my own unique way. I feel like I have just graduated with the highest degree from the University of May Fox.

What is the greatest opportunity she has given me?

Besides life itself, the priviledge to care for her over the years until the end: To return some of the care I received from her growing from a girl to a woman to a wife and now a mother. I feel that my stamina has been truly tested and I passed with distinction

What is the most profound moment I shared with my mother?

Just over a year ago, the doctors told mom her fistula will probably not work much longer then 2 months. Her body had run out of reliable dialysis venues. Setting emotion aside – we starting planning for her funeral service. We cried, we laughed, we reminisced. We faced it together, as a family. We had the chance to say all the things we needed to say and she told me she was proud of me; which is a pretty hard place to reach in my mom’s high standard.

What is the greatest gratification I have with my mom?

Without doubt – showing her the loving family I have gained and built – and Giving her a grandson, Watching her grin from ear to ear as she shares our happiness.

For my son, Lennox, to know her and to know her love. To see how family cares for each other, during happy and the not so happy times.

Now I know that I have done my very best in caring for my mom and have no regrets.

Thank you Mom and Thank you all for your support

Wedding day

On her wedding day

15 of age

Annie Magdalene May Fox, born May 6th 1935 in Hong Kong, known as May and Maggie, passed away peacefully on June 11th, 2010 at age 75. May predeceased by husband, Leslie Alfred Fox, is survived by daughter Astrid, son-in-law, Warren Wong-Chor, grandson, Lennox Wong-Chor, sisters; Victoria Hsu and Joan Li, nieces; Joanne Li, Brenda Hsu, Magdalen Li and nephew, Donald Hsu.

There will be a brief visitation at the Richmond Funeral Home 8420 Cambie Road on Wednesday, June 16th at 4-5pm.

Service will be held at Canadian Catholic Martyr Church in Richmond B.C. on June 17th at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Salvation Army Rotary Hospice House Please enter "Salvation Army Rotary Hospice House" under designation for gift

Richmond Intergrated Palliative Care Hospice program, through the Richmond Hospital Foundation Please enter "Richmond Intergrated Palliative Care Hospice program" under comment

or

St. Paul's Hospital Foundation care of Renal Unit, Tribute information: in memory of May Fox