Susan Ding (Sau Kuen Young) of Ottawa passed away peacefully on November 23, 2024 at the age of 94. Predeceased by her husband George Ding (Shun Chek Au) and her parents Den Suey Young and Yee Moy Wong. She leaves behind her children Allan, Marion, Roland, Edward and Terry, her grandchildren Courtney (Jason) Truong, Alexander and Andrew and great-grandchildren Eloise and Phoebe. She also leaves behind her sister Sau Tuen (Sang) Fong, brother Wei Lam Young and many nieces and nephews. She will be dearly missed by extended Au and Ding families in Newfoundland and Ontario and by Young families in California.
Born in Sonwei, Kwangtung, China, she also lived in Macau and Hong Kong. Her years in China were marked by incredible danger, hardship and lack of food. Her stories of survival included sharing meals of one egg and a bowl of rice amongst her mother and two sisters during the war and fleeing Japanese forces. When World War II began, the parents sent the girls to Hong Kong for their safety. She met her future husband and was married in Hong Kong.
She arrived in Canada in 1956 and they settled in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Her new life in Canada was an adjustment as she was unfamiliar with the Canadian climate, culture and language but with the generosity of new friends she persevered. Her husband’s engineer career took them to Moncton, New Brunswick and they eventually settled in Ottawa. She was a true survivor.
Susan loved to dance, paint Chinese landscapes and listen to Western music. She liked to cook traditional Chinese food including simple dishes such as steamed fish and rice. She enjoyed reading her weekly Chinese newspapers to stay up-to-date with current events and news of her former homeland.
The family would like to acknowledge and thank the doctors, nurses and staff of Section A5, Civic Hospital for their professionalism and compassionate care in making our mother’s remaining time peaceful.
A visitation will take place at Beechwood Cemetery, 280 Beechwood Avenue from 10:00-12:00 on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 followed by a private ceremony of close family and friends.
Livre de visiteurs
Scott Pelton
Carl and Margaret Akai
Allan, Marion, Roland, Edward, Terry and the rest of the Ding family, we are so sorry for your loss. Best Regards, Carl and Margaret Akai.
Jane & Louis Diraimo
Our deepest sympathies Allan and to your entire family. Your mom was a survivor and beautiful lady to that knew and loved her. May she finally be at peace and reunited with your Dad George. ❤️
Alan and Judi Sutherland
Allan, Roland, Edward, Terry, Marion and family,
We were so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. She lead an incredible life and we know you will miss her greatly. Our thoughts are with you during this truly difficult time.
Alan and Judi Sutherland
Sam Salley
Allan, Marion, Roland, Edward, Terry and family, we are deeply sorry for your loss. Please accept our sincere condolences and hope the pleasant and enjoyable memories of your mother will bring you some joy and comfort during this difficult period.
Salley & Haddad families
Will Tse and family
Auntie Ding babysat us when we were kids and has been a dear family friend for decades. Allan, Marion, Roland, Edward and Terry, our thoughts are with you.
Wah Field Au
Allan, Marion, Roland, Edward, Terry and family, we are all very saddened with your mother's passing. Very sorry for your loss. With deepest sympathy, our thoughts are with you guys.
Wah Field and family
PC Wong
Dear Terry, Marion, Edward, Roland and Alan,
Your mother would speak to me in the Chinese dialect Toisan, that was my father's mother tongue, always with a smile and a grin. The conversation would always somehow relate back to food and like my family, it is such an important aspect of our cultural identity.
We send our deepest condolences to you and your family. Take good care of each other.
Doris and PC
Dr. Terry McIntyre
My deepest sympathy to you Alan and your family. Your mother sounded like a remarkable and accomplished woman and a true survivor Alan and my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time
Mark Waymann
I'm sorry for your loss Alan. Its always tough losing someone you love. My thoughts go out to you and your family. Stay strong!
Dear Terry, Allan, Roland, Edward and Marion, We’re very sorry to hear of your loss. May you find comfort in knowing that your mother is in a better place where there is no pain and suffering. With deepest condolences, Scott, Paula, Kendra & Kaileigh