May passed away peacefully to be with her Lord on Saturday, May 30th, 2020 at the age of 94. Predeceased by her husband Kenneth Ip and brother Carl Lam, May is survived by her daughter Grace (Daniel), her sons Daniel and Tim, grandsons Justin and Leonard, her sister Shirley (Mark) from Australia, nieces and nephews.
May was born in Kunming, Yunnan, China, and lived in Zhongshan, Macau, and Hong Kong in her early years before moving to Canada. In 1969, May and her family immigrated to Canada, residing in Victoria, B.C. for the last 50 years. May was hardworking, independent, and determined. Since immigrating to Canada, she had operated a dry-cleaner, a grocery store, and worked as a tailor in the menswear department at Woodward’s.
May enjoyed Chinese brush paintings immensely, and at age 78 started the May Ip-Lam Gallery on Herald Street, where she spent many happy years. She was also skilled at sewing, knitting, cooking, baking and gardening. May enjoyed many church activities and spent blessed times at women’s groups and bible studies.
The family would like to thank everyone for their love and support for May, the kindness and compassion of the staff of Mount St. Mary Hospital where May was lovingly cared for in the last 16 months. A private family service and interment were held.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Eleanor Kobley
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Peter Reid I remember May Ip as an amazing lady full of talent. Starting a gallery at age 78 was something few could accomplish, but as an artist she could. I knew her daughter Grace very well, and Grace’s accomplishments showed May’s wonderful talents as a mother. Thank you May.
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Jenny K Wu Hello Grace,
I am very sorry to hear the passing of your beloved Mom! Please accept my deepest condolences to you and your family. My prayers are with you all. May God continue to protect you all with strength, comfort and peace at these difficult times. I will keep the fun and fond memories of her in my heart.
Stay safe and strong.
Blessings,
Jenny (Ruth Fellowship)
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Nenagh Molson May & I met as students,studying Cninese brush painting together, many years ago. She was a wonderful artist, always helping & giving so much of herself to others. She was my mentor & friend. It was always such fun to meet, greet each other,laugh & talk together. I am so happy she was in my life & will always remember her kindnesses & friendship. My deep sympathy to family & especially Grace.
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Verna Hello Grace, This message is from Verna at Mt.St. Mary’s and her daughter, Deborah.
We send love and our condolences to you and your family. Your mother is clearly a remarkable woman and gave a lot to the world.
She produced a lovely daughter!
We wish you faith, hope, and courage during these difficult times.Sincerely,
Verna and Deborah
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Lynn McCay Hello Grace, I’m so sorry to hear about your Mum’s passing and am sending thoughts and prayers of comfort to you and your family, especially as the last few months have been so difficult with not being able to see your Mum as often during these extraordinary times. Sending you a warm virtual hug.
So sorry to hear of the passing of my dear friend May. She had so many accomplishments and
enjoyed every one of them. She did them all so well and her pleasure in life was expressed
by excepting any challenge and seeing it through. She was generous and lived life her own way. I will miss her. My condolences to Grace and the family.