Tribute

Shok Fong  Maria Pon was surrounded by family when she peacefully went to be with her Lord on Saturday, December 5, 2015.  She will be lovingly remembered and missed by her son, Tin (Donna) ; daughter, Caroline (Alan) and son Gary (Gina) as well as grandchildren, Stephanie (Ben), Kristin, Kendell, Quin, Anya and Hannah.  Maria was born in Toy Shan, China in 1923.  During her childhood she loved and excelled in school.  She enjoyed being active including  rollerskating and playing ball.  She worked as a governess and tutor.  In 1957 she immigrated to Canada to marry, Lau Dick Pon, with whom she had corresponded for 1 year.  The first year was spent in various small towns in northern Ontario.  Shortly after Tin was born in 1958, they moved to Regina, Saskatchewan.   They both worked in restaurants.   Mom switched to work at Regina General Hospital as a ward aide until Caroline was born in 1961.  Shortly after Gary was born in 1964, they moved to Holdfast, Saskatchewan to run a restaurant.  In December 1965 our father died.   Mom moved back to Regina and raised the three kids as a single parent.  She worked at a variety of jobs including restaurant work, secretarial and housekeeping.  She also taught Chinese school at Regina Chinese Alliance Church for 15 years.  In April, 1967 she was reading the Bible.  She started at Psalm 23.  She continued to Psalm 27.  This caught her attention and she made a decision to follow Jesus that night.  She continued to read her Bible daily.  She was a steadfast prayer warrior for her children and grandchildren.  Church became a significant part of her life;  she taught Sunday school and was involved in the ladies’ group as well as the adult fellowship.  Mom was a caring and helpful person.  Because she could read and write English, many friends sought out her assistance when it came to dealing with paperwork and income taxes.  In 1988 she moved to Calgary to help care for her first grandchild.   Once Stephanie was older, Mom moved to Chinatown.  She enjoyed life as she made new friends.  They regularly walked along the Bow River, ate out and explored Calgary via public transit.  Stampede week celebrations, especially the free breakfasts were an annual highlight.  She often referred   to her 70’s as some of the best years of her life due to the freedom and fun she had.  During the same time, she travelled often with Caroline to conferences throughout North America.  They also travelled to New Zealand and Europe for fun.  Her desire to see new places and experience new things remained throughout her life.  In 2010 mom moved to Abbotsford.  She was able to be part of Anya and Hannah’s lives including hosting them for tea and cookies or ice cream after school.  She enjoyed reading and joined the girls on their frequent trips to the library.  She loved to be outdoors whenever possible.  Laughter and food in the company of friends and family continued to be her greatest joys in spite of declining health.  She will be remembered for her compassion, generosity, wit and warm smile.   Our family would like to express our gratitude to Dr. John Chan , and to the staff at Hallmark Assisted Living, Bevan Village and Abbotsford Regional hospital for the loving care that they have provided to mom during her time in Abbotsford.  A celebration of life will be held Tuesday, December 22, 2015 at 4:00 p.m.  at Level  Ground Mennonite Church,  31216 King Road, Abbotsford BC.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Level Ground Mennonite Church (http://www.levelgroundchurch.com/donate/)  or Because I am a girl.   https://plancanada.ca/GiftsofHope/products/33-Matched-gifts/.