Mary Sui Hoong Ryan

Mary’s family history reads like a movie. Her grandfather Chung was a runaway slave taken in by a martial arts master and herbalist. Chung had a first wife, a concubine, and many children. When there was illness in the family, or a bone needed setting, they went to see Grandfather Chung. Mary’s grandmother, known as The Dragon, finally agreed that her son Mathias Ow Ah Leong (Mary’s father), and Anna Chung Yuet Oi (Mary’s mother), could get married if Anna converted to Catholicism. It was a fateful decision for Anna. A soldier caught her out after curfew when her family home had been bombed during the invasion of Singapore. The soldier spotted the cross at her neck and showed her the way back to her family. Some of Mary’s uncles were less fortunate as they were executed. Mary said, “When people tell me how poor they were, I want to say, `You have no idea what it’s like to be poor’.” Despite their hardships, her family adopted Anna because, as her father said, “What’s one more?”. After the war, the nuns came around to sign up children for school. Mary was educated and became a teacher. Her sister Margaret became a nurse and helped care for Mary during her illness.

Mary’s siblings are Ow Mun Siong, Ow Mun Hong, Francis Ow Mun Yin, Rosa Ow Sui Peng, Agatha Ow Sui Kum, Margaret Ow Sui Kin, Clara Ow Sui Foon, and Anna Wong Yew Lan. She is survived by her husband Ernest Ryan; daughters-in-law Sharon, Alyson, and Denise; stepsons Garry, Greg, and Mike; as well as, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Mary and Ernie worked at Bukit Merah School in Singapore. They met when Mary had a flat tire. Ernie helped, and they became friends. Eventually, Mary emigrated to Canada where they married, and were together for nearly forty years. They enjoyed travel both inside and outside of Canada. There are many neighbours, friends, and colleagues who remember Mary. We would like to thank each and every one of you for your countless acts of kindness. 

The family wish to thank the caregivers at the Foothills Medical Centre and Sarcee Hospice. We are so fortunate to live in a country where so many kind and talented doctors, nurses, and caregivers devote their time, compassion, and energy in our health care facilities. They made Mary’s last days more like a celebration of life. They are extraordinary people.

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