Obituary of Wai Heung Chan

It is with sadness that the family of the late Wai Heung Chan announces her death at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital on Saturday, December 5, 2020, at the age of 78. Born in Canton, China, on October 17, 1942, she was the wife of Wing Hung Foo Chan of Fredericton. Wai and Wing are perhaps best known as proprietors of the former Pink Pearl Restaurant in Fredericton, NB. In addition to her husband, Wing, Wai leaves behind her children, Norman Chan of Fredericton, Rosemary Roy (Paul) of North Carolina and Clara Chan of Florida; grandchildren, Alexander Roy and Benjamin Roy; sister, Wai Kuen Wong (Kim) and brother, Wai Check Mah (Jean); nephews, Kenneth Mah and Kai Wong; nieces, Sharlene Mah, Linda Wong and Mae Wong. Wai was predeceased by her parents, Hoi Kan Mah and Wuet Hoi Mah, and sister, Wai Kuen Wong. Wai emigrated to Canada through Hong Kong in 1965 where she met her long-time husband, Wing. They were married in 1965 staying briefly in Saint John before relocating to Moncton where Clara was born. The family moved shortly thereafter to their long time home of Fredericton where both Rosemary and Norman were born and the family grew up. Wai and Wing worked at several restaurants before deciding to open their own restaurant in 1989 (The Pink Pearl) located adjacent to the Police station on Queen Street in Fredericton. Unfortunately, this restaurant was destroyed by fire in 1995. After a few years of early retirement, Wai and Wing decided it was time to revive The Pink Pearl, building in a new location on Queens street across from Officers Square in 1998. The restaurant closed for the last time in 2001. Both restaurants were very popular and received several write-ups in travel magazines and guides. For years afterwards her regulars still called them up begging for Wai to cater with some of her specialized dishes. There will be a private visitation for invited guests only at McAdam's Funeral Home on Thursday, January 7, 2021 between 2:00 - 4: 00 pm and 7:00 - 9:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Wai’s memory can be made to The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada ( www.heartandstroke.ca ).