After a short but hard-fought battle with Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), the beautiful giving wife to Lawrence Yik and selfless mother to Keira Emmaline and Mackenzie Everest Lu passed peacefully in Victoria, BC at the young age of 50. Although she passed in hospital, Zoe was able to experience one last full day at her Gordon Head home on Saturday October 14th, 2023, surrounded by her loved ones.
Zoe was second child to the late George Yick Nang and Beatrice Lai Foon Chan, and survived by her siblings Christiana Susan Bancroft, Christopher Manfred Chan, and Arthur Mandart Chan. Among these, she also leaves behind the immediate family members of Yieng-Shin and Alice Lu, Dennis Lu, Angela Lee and Merrick Lu, David, Emily and Nicholas Bancroft, Shirley Po, and Jason Rae.
Zoe was mother and wife first, a proud Boardworks Diving parent second, a dedicated University of Victoria – Department of Sociology employee third, and most importantly a selfless giver weaved through all of these. There were so many people she touched through her warm smile, her bright laugh, her immediate acceptance, her cherished baking, and really just her unbridled kindness. Those that knew her well, also know that she regularly donated blood – a total of eighty-nine times in her short life. She would have reached ninety donations (or more) had it not been for the diagnosis of cancer. Even after she fought through her initial battle with cancer in 2020, she hoped and wished she could donate again. Unfortunately, once you receive this diagnosis, you are unable to donate again until 5 years have passed. Sadly, Zoe could not donate again before her passing.
As part of her ongoing legacy to kindness and giving, Zoe would be proud to see those that she knew and loved donate blood on her behalf. Although the donation of blood, plasma, or bone marrow would be her first choice, she would reluctantly settle 
for a financial donation to Canadian Blood Services in lieu of the life blood that she too received during her time in hospital. In the coming days, Zoe’s family will provide instructions on how to donate in her name.
Zoe’s family is humbled by all the recent love and support they’ve received and are eternally grateful. They wish to invite you to join in honouring Zoe at 2:00 pm, on Friday, November 24, 2023, in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC. The service will also be live-streamed for out-of-town guests.
The family welcomes photo memories and will do their best to include them at the service. Please send along by clicking here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1qY6RgurIEU9l0XWHJ-emqZJrNEd8GLK3?usp=share_link
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Catherine Etmanski
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Tanya and Paige Our sincerest condolences on the passing of Zoe. Throughout the years Zoe has always been a bright spot for both Paige and I at the pool. Paige truly loved the kind words and hugs freely given by Zoe. Our thoughts are with all of you at this time.
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Rosheen Petersen Heartbroken that you’re gone. I’ve know Zoe since junior high, and she was always such a sweetheart. When my mother had a stroke 3 years ago, she made sure I was ok and sent words of encouragement. My sincere condolences to Zoe’s family.
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Kairry, Leila & Family What a truly amazing person to grace this world! Even though I only had the pleasure of knowing her for a brief period, I will never forget her warmth, her infectious and brilliant smile, and her incredible kindness. Sending lots of love and hugs to the entire family.
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Jindra Belanger Lawrence, Keira and Mackenzie – please accept my sincere condolences. I know I’m repeating what has been already said – but Zoe was such a fun, happy, kind, loving, helpful, giving… just overall a great person.
She was always there to answer my questions – whether she knew the answer or not. Always happy to walk to a meeting together or sit at a function together. Always full of stories and laughter. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her down – even when fighting her cancer. I didn’t know it came back, so her passing was a shock to me – though I doubt it would be any easier knowing it was coming. I can’t even begin to understand what you are going through and I’m very sorry you are going through this. The one good thing is you have each other and your family to go through this together.
I wasn’t able to attend the memorial in person last minute – but I have joined in virtually and am very grateful it was available. Your love-letters to Zoe were beautiful as were all the other speeches – what a way to remember how amazing Zoe was. As a fellow Gilmore Girls fan, Logan said that “People can live a hundred years without really living for a minute.” and I think although Zoe only lived 50 years she has made sure her years counted where it mattered (and beyond).
I’m sorry you got so little time with her – but she does live on in your hearts, smiles and memories. Thinking of you and the whole family in this very hard time. Take care of each other.
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Andrew Wender To Zoe’s Family:
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on your loss. Zoe was characteristically lovely and thoughtful to me ever since I first taught as a sessional instructor in UVic’s Department of Sociology around fifteen years ago. Since then, she was a warm and welcoming friend whenever I had the pleasure of seeing her around campus. After my daughter was born in 2012, Zoe never failed to ask me about her. Zoe radiated kindness and sincerity and will be deeply missed.
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Stacey Lund Dear Lawrence, Keira and Mackenzie,
My heart goes out to you at this very difficult time. Whenever I would run into you all at PISE, I could see how much love and pride she had for you. I hope you are finding strength in the wonderful memories and from the community around you. Her love will forever be with you. Stacey
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Kelly Bestwick Zoe was a bright shining light for us when we joined Boardworks she was always smiling and offering the best advice. She was all love and I truly admired her as a mother and wife. She will be dearly missed by all of those who were lucky enough to know her. Thank you for everything Zoe may you be in peace and spreading love on the other side. Can’t wait to see you one day and give you a giant hug!
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Darlene and Piper Oman I am so thankful to have known Zoe and for the time spent with her during her much too short life. She was kind, thoughtful and always fun to be around. I always looked forward to seeing her at the pool. May her friends and family find peace in the wonderful memories made with her.
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Catherine My beautiful friend in elementary school with a constant smile on her face!
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Mandy Stevens Zoe was one of a kind. Her smile lit up a room and her laughter warmed everyone’s heart. She was so amazing to be around and watch her jump into another adventure. She was always ready to take my daughter out for life experiences : their first concert, thrift shopping, trying new foods, baking, pottery, hiking. Zoe always greeted you with a smile. No matter how young or old you were, whether she was driving past, at the pool, or in the grocery store, Zoe always made you feel special and loved. She was the definition of community. She will be missed but will forever fill our hearts with her love and kindness.
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Jayne McDonald Our deepest sympathy to all of the Lu and Boardworks family. Zoe was such a special person. We will all miss her so much.
Love from all your family at BC Diving and Jayne McDonald.
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Areli Hermanson Zoe, your kind heart, infectious smile and genuine warmth will be missed. Sending love to your family and friends.
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Sandy Hansen My earliest memory of Zoe was when we first bought our home over a decade ago across the street from your family. I don’t think we had been here for more than an hour when Zoe showed up with her beautiful smile and plates of her famous baking. I realized right there how lucky we were to be your neighbours and soon to be good friends. I cherish the years of watching our kids play together. I don’t think a Christmas went by that those chocolate crinkle cookies (her signature treat) weren’t gratefully devoured by us.
Thank you for sharing your kindness Zoe. I will miss your sweetness and lovely laugh. You made the world a better place in so many ways. We miss you.
So much love to the Lu family ❤️
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Caitlin I am very sorry to hear about Zoe’s passing.
During my time as an undergraduate student at UVic Sociology, Zoe was always a helpful and friendly face in the department.
May she live on through the love she gave to family and friends.
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Heather Turner I am so sorry to hear of Zoe’s passing. Such a beautiful person!! Big hugs to all who love her; especially Lawrence, Keira and Mac.
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Emily Mang Sending heartfelt condolences. No more suffering, and you are just going to reunion with your parents! Zoe, I miss you!
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The Carmena Family Zoe…you touched every life you came into contact with. Your smile lit up the room…and the pool. You will be missed, but you will also live forever in our memories and hearts. I loved hanging with you at the pool and at competitions. You were an awesome mom and wife and I was in awe. Take care and save a glass of wine for me. Until we meet again…Janis
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Angela I am so sorry for you loss Mandart. Thinking about you and your family at this time. Praying for you all.
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Susan I love you, I miss you, I know you are not suffering anymore. We will continue to take care of each other.
Love, Susan
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Erin Bonnar My deepest sympathies. Zoe was an amazing, kind, warm and funny woman. Any time I spent with her at the pool was always fun. She was always welcoming everyone with her beautiful smile. May she live on in the memories and stories you tell about times with her. May you find comfort in the arms of friends and family during this most difficult time.
Todd, Erin, Kamryn and Lauryn Bonnar
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Suzanne Rees My sincere condolences on the passing of Zoe. Though we had not seen other since grade school, she came into my thoughts often as adults; reminding me of our fun times in class, our sleepovers & our time away at Brownie camp. I still have a little Chinese themed change purse that she gave me one year. I will remember her fondly & with love. My next blood or plasma donation will be in her name.
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Arash Life’s ebb and flow are tinged with joy and tears,
As the sun’s rise and set mark fleeting years.
Gone in a moment, like stories lost in time,
Yet every ending holds a new beginning’s chime.
In this vast expanse, where sorrow and laughter meets,
Humanity’s tale is woven in bittersweet of this conjecture
Neil and I miss Zoe’s laugh, her smile, her warm personality, and so much more. We have so many shared memories over the year. Sending our love to Lawrence, Keira, Mackenzie and the whole family.