Gooe Sun Mark
June 3, 1922 – December 18, 2014
Gooe Sun Mark, best known as Mrs. Mark, sadly left us at age 92. Born in China, June 3, 1922, she passed away Thursday, December 18, 2014, at 10:00 AM, in Vancouver. She immigrated to Grand Forks, BC in 1955 with son, Baun Foon and daughter, Zshu-Zshu in tow to join her husband, Mark Soon, who had started his restaurant and confectionary earlier. Two years later, a son, BunLing was born. Mrs. Mark had a reputation for her generosity and kindness to customers and all people as well as endurance for hard work. Her unfailing work ethic and warm personality contributed much to the success of the Honeydew restaurant for 37 years. In 1992, she retired at age 70 by moving to Vancouver to be closer to her daughter while enjoying her “Chinatown” immensely. She easily made new friends in her new neighbourhood and later at the 7th Day Adventist Church. Mrs. Mark’s life was one of success overcoming adversity, that of poverty and hunger, experiencing wars, traumatic immigration processes and finally making her way to a very new life being the only Chinese family in a foreign little town with a foreign language. In her younger years, she yearned for an education and despite all odds she excelled by acquiring 5 years of schooling in just 2 years. With her knack for learning, she endeared herself to the Russian community of Grand Forks by replying in Russian during conversations and learned to make an awesome borscht for the menu. There can be no doubt she had the fond respect from people of all ages. It has been said that the Honeydew, “famous” for its Chinese food became iconic, as a meeting and greeting place for children who were handed ice-cream cones by Mrs. Mark as well as the locals who ate the cafe’s home made pies during coffee breaks. Always smiling, her sense of survival and strength of character in changing environments during a very different era came through. She is well remembered for her wonderful ability to always engage with people and bring out their smiles as well. She is survived by her 3 children, 13 grand children, 2 daughters-in-law, and a younger brother in China. She was predeceased by her eldest son, Ken and her husband who had passed away earlier in 1975. If you would like to write a tribute or give condolences go to link: http://www.legacy.com/guestbook/dignitymemorial/guestbook.aspx?n=goomark&pid=173528255
Funeral Services will be held at:
Forest Lawn Funeral Home CHAPEL, 1:00 PM Monday, December 29, 2014
3789 Royal Oak Ave., Burnaby, BC 604-299-7720