Processing and chain letters
I talked to my brother a while ago about the news. We want to go over to say hello, but we both know they probably won't be in the mood for it. =/
Dave messaged me about it yesterday, and asked how Jon was taking the news. At that point, I didn't know. Now, he's taking it all right.. he won't say much, however. I also sent Nathan's address to Dave, so he could send cards. Maybe I'll go out later today and buy a couple of sympathy cards to send out too... Dave wanted me to give Nathan a hug for him. Of course I will... poor friends of mine. =/
I'm not surprised the news made the front page of the paper, either. Although if I can't keep it together (not cry :P) while talking to my brother about it, I don't know that I'll be able to do the same while leaving messages on Daniel and Nathan's cellphones. But then, it's understandable... right? =/
(my mom says she did it just for recognition, and wonders who'll remember her in five years... uh, her family / friends / organization?! :P)
Here's the story in case they delete it or something... it's been known to happen. ;)
Oh, and if the funeral's on Friday... I don't know if my brother or I will be able to make it because of my mother's plans for Summer Conference. We'll see. =/
Immigrant support pioneer Lilian To dies
Darah Hansen, with files from Doris Sun
Vancouver Sun
July 4, 2005
Lilian To, who died on the weekend, was diminutive in stature, but that was the only thing small about the woman widely recognized as the driving force behind S.U.C.C.E.S.S., the Lower Mainland social service agency that helps new immigrants integrate into Canadian society.
To, in her late 50s, died in hospital Saturday night after suffering a heart attack the day before.
Her friends, ranging from federal politicians to local volunteers, described her Sunday as inspirational, tireless, quietly effective and hard-working.
"We always said that Lilian had two marriages -- one to marry her husband, of course. She had two grown-up children, very successful -- and then she was also married to S.U.C.C.E.S.S," said Maggie Ip, founding chair of S.U.C.C.E.S.S. and To's friend for 32 years.
"She was just respected everywhere by everybody," said former Vancouver mayor Philip Owen, who worked closely with To for the nine years he was in office. "As far as I'm concerned, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. is phenomenally efficient, productive and amazing effective and the citizens and governments of Canada should thank Lillian To, personally, very much for her incredible contribution. She is going to be missed."
Former B.C. premier turned Liberal MP Ujjal Dosanjh said To helped to sensitize a generation of politicians to the needs of immigrants.
"In all my years dealing with her, both as an advocate and later as an elected politician, I never saw her lose her cool," he said. "She was always able to advance the issues. She was a consensus builder."
In a statement, Premier Gordon Campbell said To "dedicated herself to ensuring new citizens who came to our shores are welcomed, supported and empowered to share fully in the prosperity and opportunity of our province."
To's eldest son Daniel To said his mother suffered a heart attack while attending Canada Day celebrations Friday. She had surgery Saturday for a heart condition after driving herself to the hospital, Daniel To said.
Daniel To said he last saw his mother at 9 p.m. Saturday evening. She died shortly after 11 p.m., he said.
She leaves behind her husband, Chi-Tat To, and two sons, Daniel, 30, and 25-year-old Nathan.
"We were a very close family. I think that's something that's often missed when you have a public figure like my mother," Daniel To said.
"The mother I knew is someone who cared about her family as much as she did about S.U.C.C.E.S.S."
To joined S.U.C.C.E.S.S. as a community worker and researcher in 1974, and was elected to its board of directors in 1977. Although she later left to work at the Langley Mental Health Centre, she returned to S.U.C.C.E.S.S. in 1988 to become its executive-director and, more recently, was named CEO.
Under her leadership, S.U.C.C.E.S.S.'s budget grew to $17 million annually, with tens of thousands of volunteers and services offered to both immigrants and seniors.
She had a master's degree in social work from the University of British Columbia.
To also participated on a number of government and community committees to advocate for multiculturalism and social justice. She received several awards for her professional and community service, including a 1991 Vancouver Multicultural Society's Distinguished Service Award, a 1999 YWCA Women of Distinction Award and a federal Citation for Citizenship in 2001.
To's friend and fellow Hong Kong immigrant, Richmond MP Raymond Chan, called To's death "a big loss for Canada."
"She pioneered immigration services pretty well for the whole country," he said.
Chan, who is federal minister of multiculturalism, said To's contributions through S.U.C.C.E.S.S. helped pave the way for harmonious integration of thousands of new immigrants.
Chan said To's own immigration to Canada in the early 1970s proved to her there was a need for a social service agency that welcomed new immigrants, helped them settle and understand the basic necessities of their new country, from applying for a social insurance number and medical insurance to finding a place to live and work.
Chan said that as a federal politician, he often encourages groups in all parts of the country to use S.U.C.C.E.S.S. as a model.
"We need community leaders like Lilian in every other community -- who understand the difficulties, who understand the language, who understand the culture, to help government, and to help themselves."
To's dedication to her work with S.U.C.C.E.S.S. was legendary.
Maggie Ip recalled an incident a few years ago when To was taking a family vacation abroad. To insisted on flying back to Canada to attend a half-hour meeting, before rejoining her family on vacation.
"She always put her work ahead of her own interests," Ip said.
Mason Loh, a Vancouver lawyer and former chairman of S.U.C.C.E.S.S., said his friend had been in poor health for a number of years, "and that was quite a concern for some of her family, friends and colleagues.
"She was totally selfless, and she didn't take good care of herself when it was really busy, and there were always things that needed to be done in the community," Loh said.
The family is planning a private funeral service at Forest Lawn cemetery this Friday. S.U.C.C.E.S.S. will host a public celebration of To's life in September.
I also just got a chain letter from Carol Jensen, who should know better. Nina used to send me those things all the time, too. I admit I used to do my fair share of chain-letter-forwarding myself, but I certainly learned not to do so. :P
Then again... eh. Here it is, so you can judge.
In case anyone is interested, Saint Theresa is known as the Saint of the Little Ways. Meaning she believed in doing the little things in life well and with great love. She is also the patron Saint of flower growers and florists. She is represented by roses. May everyone be blessed who receives this message.
Theresa's Prayer cannot be deleted. REMEMBER to make a wish before you read the poem. That's all you have to do. There is nothing attached. Just send this to seven people and let me know what happens on the fourth day. Do not break this, please. Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive.
There is no cost, but a lot of reward. Suggestion: copy and paste rather than forward to protect email addresses and access to e-virus. (Did you make a wish?) If you don't make a wish, it won't come true. Last chance to make a wish!
St. Theresa's Prayer:
May today there be peace within. May you trust your highest power that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you....May you be content knowing you are a child of God.... Let this presence settle into our bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise, and love. It is there for each and every one of you.
Now, send this to 7 people within the next 5 minutes and your wish will come true. And remember to send this back...you'll see why.
Dave messaged me about it yesterday, and asked how Jon was taking the news. At that point, I didn't know. Now, he's taking it all right.. he won't say much, however. I also sent Nathan's address to Dave, so he could send cards. Maybe I'll go out later today and buy a couple of sympathy cards to send out too... Dave wanted me to give Nathan a hug for him. Of course I will... poor friends of mine. =/
I'm not surprised the news made the front page of the paper, either. Although if I can't keep it together (not cry :P) while talking to my brother about it, I don't know that I'll be able to do the same while leaving messages on Daniel and Nathan's cellphones. But then, it's understandable... right? =/
(my mom says she did it just for recognition, and wonders who'll remember her in five years... uh, her family / friends / organization?! :P)
Here's the story in case they delete it or something... it's been known to happen. ;)
Oh, and if the funeral's on Friday... I don't know if my brother or I will be able to make it because of my mother's plans for Summer Conference. We'll see. =/
Immigrant support pioneer Lilian To dies
Darah Hansen, with files from Doris Sun
Vancouver Sun
July 4, 2005
Lilian To, who died on the weekend, was diminutive in stature, but that was the only thing small about the woman widely recognized as the driving force behind S.U.C.C.E.S.S., the Lower Mainland social service agency that helps new immigrants integrate into Canadian society.
To, in her late 50s, died in hospital Saturday night after suffering a heart attack the day before.
Her friends, ranging from federal politicians to local volunteers, described her Sunday as inspirational, tireless, quietly effective and hard-working.
"We always said that Lilian had two marriages -- one to marry her husband, of course. She had two grown-up children, very successful -- and then she was also married to S.U.C.C.E.S.S," said Maggie Ip, founding chair of S.U.C.C.E.S.S. and To's friend for 32 years.
"She was just respected everywhere by everybody," said former Vancouver mayor Philip Owen, who worked closely with To for the nine years he was in office. "As far as I'm concerned, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. is phenomenally efficient, productive and amazing effective and the citizens and governments of Canada should thank Lillian To, personally, very much for her incredible contribution. She is going to be missed."
Former B.C. premier turned Liberal MP Ujjal Dosanjh said To helped to sensitize a generation of politicians to the needs of immigrants.
"In all my years dealing with her, both as an advocate and later as an elected politician, I never saw her lose her cool," he said. "She was always able to advance the issues. She was a consensus builder."
In a statement, Premier Gordon Campbell said To "dedicated herself to ensuring new citizens who came to our shores are welcomed, supported and empowered to share fully in the prosperity and opportunity of our province."
To's eldest son Daniel To said his mother suffered a heart attack while attending Canada Day celebrations Friday. She had surgery Saturday for a heart condition after driving herself to the hospital, Daniel To said.
Daniel To said he last saw his mother at 9 p.m. Saturday evening. She died shortly after 11 p.m., he said.
She leaves behind her husband, Chi-Tat To, and two sons, Daniel, 30, and 25-year-old Nathan.
"We were a very close family. I think that's something that's often missed when you have a public figure like my mother," Daniel To said.
"The mother I knew is someone who cared about her family as much as she did about S.U.C.C.E.S.S."
To joined S.U.C.C.E.S.S. as a community worker and researcher in 1974, and was elected to its board of directors in 1977. Although she later left to work at the Langley Mental Health Centre, she returned to S.U.C.C.E.S.S. in 1988 to become its executive-director and, more recently, was named CEO.
Under her leadership, S.U.C.C.E.S.S.'s budget grew to $17 million annually, with tens of thousands of volunteers and services offered to both immigrants and seniors.
She had a master's degree in social work from the University of British Columbia.
To also participated on a number of government and community committees to advocate for multiculturalism and social justice. She received several awards for her professional and community service, including a 1991 Vancouver Multicultural Society's Distinguished Service Award, a 1999 YWCA Women of Distinction Award and a federal Citation for Citizenship in 2001.
To's friend and fellow Hong Kong immigrant, Richmond MP Raymond Chan, called To's death "a big loss for Canada."
"She pioneered immigration services pretty well for the whole country," he said.
Chan, who is federal minister of multiculturalism, said To's contributions through S.U.C.C.E.S.S. helped pave the way for harmonious integration of thousands of new immigrants.
Chan said To's own immigration to Canada in the early 1970s proved to her there was a need for a social service agency that welcomed new immigrants, helped them settle and understand the basic necessities of their new country, from applying for a social insurance number and medical insurance to finding a place to live and work.
Chan said that as a federal politician, he often encourages groups in all parts of the country to use S.U.C.C.E.S.S. as a model.
"We need community leaders like Lilian in every other community -- who understand the difficulties, who understand the language, who understand the culture, to help government, and to help themselves."
To's dedication to her work with S.U.C.C.E.S.S. was legendary.
Maggie Ip recalled an incident a few years ago when To was taking a family vacation abroad. To insisted on flying back to Canada to attend a half-hour meeting, before rejoining her family on vacation.
"She always put her work ahead of her own interests," Ip said.
Mason Loh, a Vancouver lawyer and former chairman of S.U.C.C.E.S.S., said his friend had been in poor health for a number of years, "and that was quite a concern for some of her family, friends and colleagues.
"She was totally selfless, and she didn't take good care of herself when it was really busy, and there were always things that needed to be done in the community," Loh said.
The family is planning a private funeral service at Forest Lawn cemetery this Friday. S.U.C.C.E.S.S. will host a public celebration of To's life in September.
I also just got a chain letter from Carol Jensen, who should know better. Nina used to send me those things all the time, too. I admit I used to do my fair share of chain-letter-forwarding myself, but I certainly learned not to do so. :P
Then again... eh. Here it is, so you can judge.
In case anyone is interested, Saint Theresa is known as the Saint of the Little Ways. Meaning she believed in doing the little things in life well and with great love. She is also the patron Saint of flower growers and florists. She is represented by roses. May everyone be blessed who receives this message.
Theresa's Prayer cannot be deleted. REMEMBER to make a wish before you read the poem. That's all you have to do. There is nothing attached. Just send this to seven people and let me know what happens on the fourth day. Do not break this, please. Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive.
There is no cost, but a lot of reward. Suggestion: copy and paste rather than forward to protect email addresses and access to e-virus. (Did you make a wish?) If you don't make a wish, it won't come true. Last chance to make a wish!
St. Theresa's Prayer:
May today there be peace within. May you trust your highest power that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you....May you be content knowing you are a child of God.... Let this presence settle into our bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise, and love. It is there for each and every one of you.
Now, send this to 7 people within the next 5 minutes and your wish will come true. And remember to send this back...you'll see why.
Labels: 1999, 2001, 2005, canada, cards, carol, daniel, danielle, david, death, harmony, jon, maxed-out tags limit, msn, nathan, news, nina, phil, phone calls, raymond
posted by Flami at 3:20:00 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home