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
25 Responses
Only today did I hear of Zoe’s passing. I retired from UVic so we had lost touch and so very sorry to miss her memorial. Zoe was such a warm,kind and giving person. Always a smile on her face. She was so very proud of her children and we spoke of them and their accomplishments often. My condolences to the family.
I stumbled upon UVic’s Memoriam for Zoe, just now, and tears began to roll down my face. I met Zoe in my Sociology Undergraduate degree in 2009. In 2012 I was in the Sociology office trying to grasp what was happening (it was bad; long story), trying to hold onto my composure. Zoe was looking at me, mouthing the words, “Stay strong. Stay strong!” I will never forget Zoe and those words that she gave to me. That scene has seen me through many times when I have felt weak and pathetic and just wanted to quit.
My two supervisors for my Interdisciplinary PhD have just passed my proposal and we envision the completion of my doctorate by the end of this year, 2025. Zoe and her words will continue to help me through.
My daughter, Allie, taught gymnastics when Zoe’s daughter was taking classes at Victoria Gymnastics. Whenever I saw Zoe she would ask about Allie and praise her gymnastics teaching. Being Allie’s mom, Zoe’s words would warm my heart and make it swell.
Although I didn’t know Zoe well, I knew her heart and her love, kindness, and generosity. She touched me deeply and I am so very grateful that I came into her sphere through Sociology at UVic.
I am so very sorry for the family’s loss. There are no words, so I will give you your mom’s, your wife’s, words that she gave to me, “Stay strong. Stay strong.” Sending love to all who love and miss Zoe ❤️
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.
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.
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.