elevated SgsFX December 7, 1936 – January 24, 2022
elevated SgsFX Visitation
Friday, January 28, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
elevated SgsFX Due to Covid-19 capacity restrictions, friends may have to wait to pay their respects during the visitation period. We are inviting family and friends to a walk-through visitation only to pay their respects, offer condolences and then kindly exit the building to allow for others to enter.
elevated SgsFX Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, ON, L3T 3Z6
elevated SgsFX Private Funeral Mass
Saturday, January 29, 2022 – 12:00 p.m.
elevated SgsFX A Private Funeral Mass will be held in the Chapel of St. Joseph within Holy Cross catholic Funeral Home. If you wish to view the mass, please click on the link below at 12:00 p.m.
elevated SgsFX Click here to view the mass.
elevated SgsFX Obituary
elevated SgsFX It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dearest Irene Sau King Yu on Monday, January 24, 2022 from complications due to Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. She passed away peacefully at Michael Garron Hospital, at the age of 85 years, surrounded by her loved ones. Beloved mother of Kim Yu. Longtime friend of Fr. Stan Fortuna, her adopted “grandson”.
elevated SgsFX Irene grew up an orphan in a convent in Hong Kong. In her early 20s, she became a governess working for the Consul General of Hong Kong, among other diplomatic envoys, and was able to travel the world. Some of the countries she visited in the 1960s before she settled down were Japan, Italy, Egypt, The Netherlands, India and Germany where she embraced the cultures and often picked up the languages.
elevated SgsFX Irene got married in Canada in her early 30s and used her savings to help purchase a home in East end Toronto. She worked briefly as a Health Care Aide at Toronto General Hospital before giving birth to a daughter, Kim, who she doted on endlessly. Her husband, who came from a very traditional and old fashioned background, only allowed her to work part-time from then on, but she was always hardworking, cheerful and friendly to all who she met. She tried to instill in her daughter that same pioneering spirit, strong work ethic, and generous and loving heart.
elevated SgsFX Over the years, Irene still fully supported her husband and even helped bring his family over from mainland China in the 2000s. She traveled very infrequently and got to see some of China with him and at one point, Cuba, with her daughter. In later years, Irene grew apart from her husband and his family and eventually, she and her husband separated after four decades of marriage.
elevated SgsFX Irene was finally able to travel more again visiting Hong Kong, the U.S., Italy and Poland. She was also able to do fishing trips in Ontario, New York and California – all of which gave her great joy – with her daughter.
elevated SgsFX After spending a few years at Providence Healthcare when she fell ill, it was evident that Irene would have much better care elsewhere. Irene was supported by her daughter and living with her when she passed away.
elevated SgsFX Special thank you to Dr. Kit Lee at the South East Family Health Team, Dr. M. McIntrye and her team at Toronto Rehab, Dr. Carmela Tartaglia at the PSP Clinic at Toronto Western and the many nurses and doctors including Dr. C. Smith, Dr. J. Rosenberg, Dr. J. Abrahamson, Dr. D. Vasilou, Dr. Hynes, Dr. T. Gilas and Dr. D. Mendelson who have taken/were taking good care of her at Michael Garron Hospital before she passed. Irene will be sorely missed and fondly remembered by all her extended family and friends. May she rest in peace.
elevated SgsFX Visitation
The family thanks everyone for the beautiful flowers. In lieu of flowers, please also feel free to make a donation to Francesco Productions, Michael Garron Hospital or the PSP Society of Canada in Irene’s name.
elevated SgsFX Interment
Christ The King Catholic Cemetery
7770 Steeles Avenue East, Markham, ON, L6B 1A8
Kim
Irene was a friend and co-worker who was loved by my Mother and myself who will be missed even though we were not in contact jn the last years she and you were never forgotten.
I tried to contact Edgar but his phone was not in service and found out that he moved and did not tell me. I wish I could come to the visitation and service but is not possible,but you and Irene will be in our prayers and memory forever
Donna
Thinking of you today Kim as you lay your Mother to rest.
Much peace and love to you!
And may your rest in there peace of Christ.