Kau-Fong Low

Rachel D As Sarah mentioned, Kim was whatever a person needed. Thanks to her fateful encounter with my mother in a grocery store, I somehow became friends with her daughter who chased me around parked cars when we first met. Thanks to her, I learned to be a little less picky when it comes to fruits and vegetables. I was able to eat more than just rice in my childhood. Broccoli has become a tolerable side and a useful bargaining chip. Thanks to her, I got to spend a lot of time sleeping in the back of her vehicle instead of commuting on public transit. This was especially helpful with all the books Sarah borrowed and going on camping trips. Thanks to her, I know how to differentiate milkweed from other plants. I can confidently say if I ever want to raise my own monarch butterflies, I know how to do it. I won’t touch them. I will however be able to direct someone to help me when contact is necessary. Thanks to her, holiday meals and special occasions felt more than just a time where my parents and I would eat a lot of food in one sitting. She would always have something to say and was always willing to ‘try’ the food we prepared. Even if she was invited to other celebrations and events, she always made a point of making an appearance or calling to check in. Thanks to her sharing her insights of me, I didn’t feel like I was always doing something wrong. Her approach to everyone was to never presume anything and treat everyone with the same sincerity and dignity they deserve. I have known her since 2002 when we were both in grade 2. I have accidentally called her mom more than once. She and other people have mixed Sarah’s and my name more than once. We do not have the same blood, but Sarah and her are most definitely family. She is missed and loved.

Elaine Chin Sarah, we will always remember your mom as friendly, chatty, and very practical - someone who wasn't afraid of hard work, whether physical labor, or dealing with people or children others might consider "difficult". She always seemed to enjoy life, food, and the company of friends and family. Many of our favorite memories of revolved around family meals, whether it was at the cottage, where you, Sammy and Emma grew up together or special occasions like Mother's Day and Christmas Day with the extended Chin family. Glad we were altogether this past Christmas. We will miss her very much and send all our love and prayers to you. xo Aunt Elaine and Uncle Ray.

Sarah Chin

Franca Crescenzi This is my most favourite Memory of Kim. Her love for butterflies will always be something that I will carry in my heart with fondness.🦋Rest in eternal peace my dear friend🙏 (This was taken from an article written on her a few years ago)

Anna Chang Memories of Kau-Fong. Some of the many memories. We will miss her very much.

Sammy Chin She was always ready to laugh and feed us yet another bowl of grapes if we were eating chips. Forever grateful for such a hands-on aunt as Auntie Kim.

Donna Liang

Sammy Chin Auntie Kim, Sarah, Me, and Grannie - always at the cottage <3

Nalini Hardit-Singh Sara I’m so sorry for your loss. Kim was not only once my neighbour but she was also a co-worker at OLHC and she was a friend. Kim was a kind, thoughtful and genuine person. Kim was always concerned about my Mom who had Alzheimer’s. I remember her even taking my Mom for walks at times. She was just a caring person. I will miss our chats and laughter my friend. This is a pic of us at Costco. Ofcourse we had to have an ice cream before leaving :). You will be missed.

Sook Ming Ding Our deepest condolences to you, Sarah. Words cannot describe your loss and may the memories of your loving mum be of comfort to you during this difficult time. You were her entire world. Her face would light up when she talked about you at our gatherings. It wasn’t the mee goreng or curry, it was you, Sarah, her pride and joy. We were truly blessed to have known Fong over 30 years. She was a caring, generous and friendly individual, always willing to share what she had. Her laughter was genuine, loud and infectious and that’s how our children who are now adults remember Aunty Fong. For us adults, we lost a tough, beautiful and caring friend who was also positive no matter what challenges were thrown at her. Even in her final days, she would call to ask how we were doing and lamented about how small the food potion was at the palliative care. Your mum was a truly remarkable person and will be sadly missed by all of us. Her beautiful smile and infectious laugher will forever be in our hearts. May she rest in eternal peace and bathe in divine illuminations. Malaysian Aunties

Sarah Chin Photos from Tanzania and travels

Ray Chin Sarah's Communion

Mary Merkowsky Kim and I became friends when her daughter, Sarah, and my son, Nicholas, met in elementary school. Over the years as our children grew, so did our friendship. Kim formed an especially close bond with my daughter, Melissa. They would spend hours talking about anything and everything, and nothing at all. Since I don’t have family in Ontario, it was a blessing for my kids to have another person in their lives to love and who loved them. But it was my dogs who expressed their love for Kim the most! Kim couldn’t set one foot in the door before being overrun by King and Pepper. They were always as excited to see her as we were. Before she could even say hello to us, she had to first greet the dogs. But that was Kim. She loved all living things and they loved her. Pepper would always jump into Kim’s lap and demand her full attention while King would sit not-so patiently beside her and beg her for her cup of tea! I don’t think she ever finished a cup of tea herself because she always saved a little bit for King! As giving as she was with the dogs, she was more so with people. She seemed to intuitively understand what others needed, whether it was a conversation, a visit, a hug, a smile or just a friend. She gave others what they needed most and in return, they gave her their hearts. Kim collected friends everywhere she went. She was a gentle soul with the biggest heart who always gave to others. In fact, she rarely came by without a plant to give to me. I think half of my garden is full of Kim’s plants! Kim spent many, many holidays with us and was a cherished part of our family. Holidays without her just won’t be the same. We miss her already and will feel her absence for a long time to come. Goodbye, dear friend…

Ray Chin At the Cottage

Bev Lue Dear Sarah, We are very sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. We remember Kim as a thoughtful, pleasant, loving and caring person...always interested in how the families were coping. We will cherish the memories of her at our family events (see one such photo). Please accept our condolences for your deep lost. We sincerely hope you will be comforted by the deep love and many memories you have shared with her. May she rest in peace. Bev and Franklin and family

Bev Petersen Kim was a lover and giver of life. Just as she loved her monarchs, every thing, person and life she touched went through a metamorphic transformation. She made everything that came through her path better, with gentle guidance. She will truly be missed by the many who have been influenced by her spirit.

Lisa Liang Here are some of many happy memories from the Liang & Chang families. We have always known you as a strong and loving person. You will be missed deeply. Much love, Wei Tung, Yee Kam, Mama Chang, Lisa, Julian and Zachary

Beth James I met Kim when Sarah and Carolyn were starting school. We were part of a group of Moms who gathered by the school at the beginning or the end of the day chatting while our girls (mostly) played. She was always interested in everyone else and how we were all doing. For 4 years we were Girl Guide leaders together - so much fun! All the girls loved her...so generous and kind. Kim's life was always about others and how she could help - it gave her joy. I am thankful that she was in my life. She will be missed.

Mary Goh Dear Sarah, I'm very saddened to hear of your mum's passing. My heart goes out to you and your dad in your time of sorrow. I have known your mum for almost 30 years. She was a kind, friendly and strong minded person that anyone could wish for in a friend. She will be sadly missed by all her friends. Lots of good memories of your mum and you when you were little. Taken during gatherings we had with all the Malaysian aunties. Stay safe and well. Take care. Mary Goh

Agnes Parr Dear Sarah, Kim was a wonderful neighbour to have, and even more wonderful was her friendship and the adventures that we shared. We shared great times together, but it was wonderful to be a part of her adventure with the raising of the Monarch Butterflies. We would be in Town Parks looking under Milkweed plants for eggs, which would be brought home, and then Kim would very diligently begin the delicate process of tending to them all the way from the eggs to their release as beautiful Monarch Butterflies. She released way more than 100 Butterflies in Richmond Hill, which was featured in the Liberal in August 2018. https://www.yorkregion.com/news-story/8845462-richmond-hill-resident-releases-more-than-100-monarch-butterflies-to-mexico/ The butterflies where tagged and one even made it as far as Iowa! This was great, and I will always remember those times. Pictured above is one of the many Monarchs raised by Kim. Agnes Parr

Sheila D’Souza Tanzanite Picnic Class of 70

Agnes Parr Dear Sarah, I have to share this memory of your mom. I found amongst the photos in my camera the ones of her that we had taken back that day in August 2018, where yes we stuck our heads in the butterfly cage! At the time it was just in fun, but now it is necessary to share, and to share her love of the Monarch Butterflies! This one, and 2 others that I have are the only pictures of her with the butterflies. They now provide a happy memory of Kim, taken with a big smile on her face - Kim together with her Monarch Butterflies! Agnes Parr

Sheila D’Souza SRSS Class of 70 2019

Gean Fung Dear Sarah, ‌ ‌We are very sorry to hear the passing of your mom. Please accept our deepest condolences at this sad and very difficult times. You may like to know we called your mom Kam Fong rather than Kau Fong as her younger sister's first names was also Kau. I hope I can fill in a small part of her story during her time in the UK and share what she brought to our lives. As a group of just over 25 young African Chinese mostly in our late teens and early twenties settling in and finding our feet here in London. I recall we where all young, free and single at the time and spent lots of wonderful times together. We often use to have picnics in the summer, we even did a camping holiday to Scotland together, did day trips to the seaside, visited historic castle sites and many other places of interest during bank holidays just to kill time and have fun. There were also many coming of age parties. Many Christmas and New Years home parties where we often stayed up till sunrise. We also did rotating majong weekends that she often cooked a hotpot meal to bring along. As already mentioned by others, your mom even back then, unconditionally mothered us like an older sister. She was always the first one out front organising the food, warming it up and preparing the table. Again at the end ensuring everything was tidied up. We are so fortunate to have been able to share those happy and memorable times with her. ‌ ‌Our thoughts are with you, her mother, brother and sister's. We will miss her. Especially her always happy smile. ‌ ‌The Fungs ‌(Gean, Kino, Angela, Julia, Chung & Keith Chong)

Gean Fung Dear Sarah, ‌ ‌We are very sorry to hear the passing of your mom. Please accept our deepest condolences at this sad and very difficult times. You may like to know we called your mom Kam Fong rather than Kau Fong as her younger sister's first names was also Kau. I hope I can fill in a small part of her story during her time in the UK and share what she brought to our lives. As a group of just over 25 young African Chinese mostly in our late teens and early twenties settling in and finding our feet here in London. I recall we where all young, free and single at the time and spent lots of wonderful times together. We often use to have picnics in the summer, we even did a camping holiday to Scotland together, did day trips to the seaside, visited historic castle sites and many other places of interest during bank holidays just to kill time and have fun. There were also many coming of age parties. Many Christmas and New Years home parties where we often stayed up till sunrise. We also did rotating majong weekends that she often cooked a hotpot meal to bring along. As already mentioned by others, your mom even back then, unconditionally mothered us like an older sister. She was always the first one out front organising the food, warming it up and preparing the table. Again at the end ensuring everything was tidied up. We are so fortunate to have been able to share those happy and memorable times with her. ‌ ‌Our thoughts are with you, her mother, brother and sister's. We will miss her. Especially her always happy smile. ‌ ‌The Fungs ‌(Gean, Kino, Angela, Julia, Chung & Keith Chong)

Kong Chang Dear Sarah, Our deepest condolenses on the passing of your Mom. Kau-Fong was a fun and very eventful. We had lots of trips, events and memories together as we ventured through the continents. She will be missed, but the memories will not be forgotten. -Loves from Ling, Emily, Ashley & Kong

Wong Ahchong Sarah our deepest condolences to you on the passing of your Mom, Kau-Fong. I knew the entire Low family in Tanzania since the late 1950s. In the late 1960s I would take Kau-Fong and her five siblings to the beach on Sunday afternoons. Kau-Fong moved to Canada in the early 1990s and we fondly recall meeting up with her on Russel Hill Rd. as she established herself in Canada. Soon enough we were in contact with Kau-Fong on different occasions - when she got married to Gord Chin, at their cottage and at get-togethers with Tanzanian friends. When we recently caught up with Kau-Fong, we were surprised to learn of her recent illness, and saddened by her passing. May the Lord God grant her peace, rest and happiness. Wong and Fay Ahchong and family

Lily Goh Dear Sarah, Words may not suffice to express the heartfelt sorrow that we felt as we are saddened to hear of the passing of your mum. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Your mother was one of the sweetest women we have ever known. She always had a nice smile and friendly greeting when we saw her. Her memories will live on in our hearts. Loved Always, Sadly Missed. Blessings, Lily & Chin (Malaysian Aunty & Uncle)

Jacqueline Lam Dear Sarah, Please accept our deepest condolences to you on passing of your mom. May God put Mom in a special place where she will be watching us, the people who loved and cherished her. Your Mom will always be remembered as my childhood friend, big sister growing up as kids and tenagers in Dar-Es-Salaam and London where we spent lots of wonderfull times meeting up. Our thoughts, prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. May God grant her peace and eternal rest. Sincere condolences Jacqueline, Matthew & Katherine Lam

Wendy Chin Sarah, it seems like only yesterday that I was talking to your Mom on the phone; it was a week before her passing. Despite her condition, she was her usual friendly, chatty and caring self. She was concerned about the well-being of family and friends in these confounding times of the Pandemic; and she wanted to make sure that we're wearing mask, just to be safe. When I inquired if there's anything she needs, she assured me she's well taken care of; but most of all, she is happy that you're at a good stage in life. She felt blessed to have a good daughter like you, and she's gratified to see you grow up to be a fine, independent woman. I could almost see her smile when she said, "Sarah is a good kid". We have shared many good times with your Mom at family gatherings over the years - birthdays, weddings, X'mas, Chinese New Year, etc. Your Mom was always friendly to my mother, who was oftentimes invited to participate in these family gatherings. They would be chatting about Hong Kong in Cantonese. She will always remain a part of the Chin family. Although we could not be together at this year's Mother's Day tomorrow, due to social distancing decree, our heart and thoughts are with you. And we'll raise a glass to your Mom to celebrate her life. Love & Hugs from Auntie Wendy & Uncle David

Rosemary Foong Dear Sarah, We are very saddened to hear your mom passed away. Our deepest, heartfelt Condolences and prayers to you, your family and Kau Fong’s family at this very sad and difficult time. I knew Kau Fong in Dar-es-Salaam but got to know her more in London where we shared a house together with 2 other people. Your mom was kind, caring and thoughtful person. She was always there to offer help or advice. She was a big sister I never had (I have 6 brothers). She loved cooking so sometimes we would cook together and everyone would eat her delicious food first. We will miss her smile, infectious laughter and friendship. We will all remember the happy memories and fun times we shared with your mom and together with so many of her African Chinese friends. We are sorry not to add any photos of your mom as we are not in London atm. Rest in Peace Kau Fong. Sending healing prayers, comforting hugs and God Bless from Rosemary, Patrick & Family

Fern Low Dear Sarah, Our apologies for posting this message so late. To lose a family member is always hard, but to lose your Mom, the centre of your world from the day you are born, is hardest of all. In time, maybe the pain will ease. No doubt your life will never be the same. Unfortunately, we were not able to spend as much times we would liked in her company, but those times we visited Che Che/Aunty was welcoming and a jolly good time had by all. She truly made us feel like a family in no time. Of course there were lovely meals in house and out. She was a patient person, but one thing that really annoyed her was customers who parked their cars near the entrance to super markets. She did not believe in time keeping either, always arriving in her own time. We are so grateful for the time we got to spend with her. We hope you are finding some comfort in the company of your love ones, and in the wonderful memories of your Mom has given everyone the world over to share here. Sarah, you were her world, nobody comes a close second. May her soul rest in peace. We will always miss her. Rachel Low + family (Po po, Shue, K Foon, K Siu, K Wen and Ming)