Bernice Oi Lan Chan (nee Leong), 88, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2026, surrounded by family and friends.
Born in Canton, China, Bernice immigrated to Victoria, Canada, at age 17. Alongside her husband of 62 years, Steven, they owned the Hi-Way Supermarket in Colwood. After retiring in 1990, she filled her days with gardening, walking, and spending time with family and friends.
After immigrating from China to build a new life in Canada, Bernice approached every challenge with determination and resilience. She secretly taught herself how to read English. She also learned to operate a business with no formal education and was quite the wizard at mental math, before calculators and computers.
Bernice found great happiness in the simple pleasures of life. She was a talented gardener who took great pride in her garden on Sea Ridge Drive. In particular, she had a magic touch with growing Christmas cactuses and orchids. Bernice enjoyed many marathon mahjong games with her family and friends. When visiting Las Vegas, Bernice had some lady luck and often won playing the slot machines. Bernice was a familiar and warm presence when she lived in Cordova Bay. On her daily walks, adorned in her floral hat, Bernice created friendships with many neighbors along the way.
Bernice’s pride and joy was her family. She cherished the many family vacations, whether it was an ocean cruise or visiting Hawaii. However, the most memorable trip was in 2010, when she was able to show her entire family her village, ancestral home, and elementary school in China.
She was predeceased by her brother, Harry in 2023. Bernice is lovingly remembered by her husband, Steven, her children, Brenda, Bonnie, and Grant (Bernice Kwan Wai), and her five grandchildren, Ashley Popham, Donald Brooks, Kaitlyn Brooks, Gavin Chan, and Grayson Chan.
The funeral will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 2:00 pm; internment to follow at Royal Oak Burial Park.
Food was the language of love for Bernice. Her greatest happiness was sharing meals with her loved ones. Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life dinner at 5:00 pm at Golden City Restaurant, 721 Fisgard Street.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Irene, Jessica, and the wonderful staff at Oakwood Manor for their exceptional care.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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