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
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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.
My beautiful friend in elementary school with a constant smile on her face!
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.
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.
Zoe, your kind heart, infectious smile and genuine warmth will be missed. Sending love to your family and friends.