Cindy Ho-Yun Woo
October 1st, 2019
On October 1, 2019, Cindy Ho-Yun Woo, a beloved mother, daughter and sister, passed away peacefully at the age of forty-five after a courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her loving and devoted son and family.
Cindy is survived by her son, Brandon Cardinal; her brother, Albert Woo; and her father, Jackson Woo. She is predeceased by her mother, Connie Fung; her grandmother, LIU Lai Kum; and her grandfather, FUNG Kaing Lim.
Born 1973 in Hong Kong, Cindy was described as a happy child that enjoyed exploring life. At an early age, the family moved to Canada setting up the family home in Calgary. It was during this time that Cindy enjoyed volunteering at local churches and being an active member of the community. She graduated from Crescent Heights High School and then quickly followed her passion for learning by starting studies at the University of Calgary. With ambitions to attend the University of British Columbia, Cindy moved to Vancouver at the age of 20 where she also began one of her greatest journeys – motherhood. Her son, who she described as the most important part of her life, was born on January 25, 1994.
Cindy was hardworking, focused and conscientious. She graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Arts degree, specializing with a double major in English and Psychology. She worked as a support worker at a group home in Richmond, as a professional writer for Westcoast Psychological Services, and until recently, as a research manager for the Department of Psychiatry at Detwiller Pavilion in U.B.C. Hospital.
Cindy enjoyed many interests and hobbies that included reading, yoga, running and travelling. She was often described as a gentle, compassionate and selfless individual who always went above and beyond for those she cared for. She lived life to the fullest and made countless wonderful memories with everyone that had the pleasure of knowing her.
Her greatest treasure was her son Brandon. She adored and cherished her time with him. She had a deep love and devotion for Brandon and admired the young man that he had become. She was extremely proud of him and embraced every moment with courage, determination and love near the end in his honour.
Cindy will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and colleagues. Although her physical time with us in this life came to an end too early, it is her spirit that will continue to live on forever as she watches over her loved ones.
Brandon, and Cindy’s family would like to thank Dr. Ahmed and Dr. Germain and the many other doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists and staff at Burnaby General Hospital for the kindness and care they showed Cindy.
A Celebration of Life for Cindy will be held on November 2, 2019 at 1 p.m. in the Rudy North Lecture Theatre located in the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health on the campus of University of British Columbia - 2215 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, B.C. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Cindy’s name to https://memorial.support.ubc.ca/cindy-woo/
“She now flies with butterflies – her wings were ready but my heart was not.”
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence for the family.
Messages:
Cindy had inherited the vivacious gene from her mother, the second youngest sister in the Fung family. Both of them could spark a room with their grace, brightness, pleasant conversation and good cheer. While we didn’t see Cindy as often as we wished, we have witnessed her growth into adulthood (and motherhood) through occasional visits to Calgary, and subsequently Vancouver, from the United States. Our last visit, in June this year, saw her with great bravery and determination, in spite of her developing illness. Typical of her nature, she did not complain of the health burden that she was carrying. Her serenity and optimism will forever stay with those who knew her. We shall miss her very much.
I am so sad to hear about this as I too watched Cindy raise her son in the same building for many many years. Cindy was one of the kindest people on my floor and always had a smile and a hello. Cindy always made me feel so good after running into her. My heart goes out to the family especially beautiful Brandon who she was so incredibly proud of. When a beautiful person like this leaves this world, there will be a 100 angels waiting for her with open arms. God bless.
There is no better a trait for an individual to have than to make others feel happy when one is around. Feeling good is inevitable in the presence of an intelligent, caring, helpful, driven, optimistic, thankful, selfless, and happy person, such as Cindy. We first met Cindy when she and her immediate family (part of our extended family) moved from Hong Kong to Calgary. Our strongest memory of her at this young age is her big smile. Some years later, she grew up, became well educated, and had Brandon. She suddenly transformed into a very hard working and self-sufficient young woman who, seemingly, could do everything. It was at this stage that her fine character and capabilities truly emerged, shined brightly, and endured...and she still carried her big smile everywhere with her. Even recently, after she was diagnosed with cancer and knew her days in this world were coming to an end, she retained all her caring, helpful, driven, optimistic, thankful, selfless, and happy traits. The last time we saw Cindy, she still had her big smile. Fortunately, all of Cindy's fine traits have been passed to her son, Brandon, by way of her care and love. We are thankful to have shared parts of our life with Cindy and will be thankful to continue sharing it through Brandon.
Such a huge loss for this world. Angels sing above for this amazing great soul has been returned to the heavens and stars above. Cindy and Brandon have been part of our community here at Paul Y Mansion Apts for 23 years. And we can all say how blessed we have been to watch Brandon grow from the time he was 2, to this compassionate, friendly, handsome, fit human being. Cindy you raised a young man that the world can be proud of. You are missed. We know that Brandon will continue making you a proud Momma Bear. We will miss seeing you both around. Beautiful bright smiling faces.Warm hearts. Brandon you will continue on to a new chapter in your life. Blessed to have had such a beautiful protecting soul who will always be at your side. Butterflies are free to fly. Fly away, high away, bye bye.
We find it hard to believe such a lovely, vibrant being has passed. Our hearts go out to Brandon and the rest of her family. She will leave such a big gap. Cindy was always so warm, kind, and caring. Years ago, knowing that I (Martha) was a therapist, she gave me a perfect funny present. It has been on display on my dresser ever since, and I will never not look at it now without a catch in my heart that she is no longer with us in body, but I have to imagine that her spirit always will be.
Cindy will be missed and never forgotten! "No regrets...Just lessons, No worries...Just Acceptance, No expectations...Just gratitude." No words can describe how amazing Cindy was in so many ways and most importantly, a mother to Brandon. If only Cindy could have taught so many mothers how to be mothers, the world would be a different place. Life is too short! Cindy is gone way too soon and has taught everyone that life is not a dress rehearsal. Live!
Brandon, we are so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother, Cindy. We feel like we have known both of you forever, living in the same building and watching how your mother did such a fantastic job of raising you to be the man you are today. Her smile and kindness will definitely be missed in the building and when passing on the street. You will both be in our thoughts and prayers, especially during this difficult time.
I watched little Brandon grow up as I lived in the same building. So sad to see such a beautiful soul die so young. Best wishes and huge hugs to Brandon, she loved you and did an amazing job of making you the man you are.
Deeply saddened by this loss to all who knew her.
I’m so sorry to hear this news of Cindy’s passing. She was an indispensable member of, I think, two of my UBC English classes. She was unforgettable: tough, tenacious, funny, insightful, and incredibly smart. My sincere sympathies to Brandon and to Cindy’s father and brother.
I am so sorry for your loss Brandon. You sure had a great Mom and she was very proud of you. You will carry wonderful memories of your Mom with you always.
Dearest Cindy -- Your journey was a process of the affirmation of life. You were always ready to give a helping hand. How you enjoyed the Davie area, and coffee! Studying and knowledge were your things, too. And how you loved being a mother! Brandon was your gift, and your gift to the world. The world's supply of brilliance, kindness, beauty, humour, and insight is lessened by your passing. I'm lighting a candle for you, and I'll keep memories of your dear friendship close. You are in my heart, always.
Cindy was an incredibly warm, caring & thoughtful friend & I'm going to miss her very much. She always showed so much curiosity & interest in how others were doing & wholehearted support when times were tough. I loved having visits with her & going for walks when we both worked in the Psychiatry department at UBC & then having coffee chats downtown later on. I wish I could have spent more time with her & feel so sad that I won't have the chance to talk to her again. I will definitely carry her memory with me.
Cindy was and always will be a beautiful person in our lives, she is everything and more as noted above. We know in our hearts, knowing Cindy as we did, that anyone who came to know Cindy would have nothing but positive and kind words to say about this precious lady, mother, family member and friend. Cindy you have left an amazing legacy, one of which that has been passed down through your very precious son. When we continue to see Brandon, we will always see you and our hearts will be forever warmed. For Brandon and Cindy's family, our hearts go out to you for your tremendous loss ..... I know she will always be that beautiful butterfly within our sights, Fly Cindy and spread your wings, we love you.
Cindy would often check in with us with sweet, funny emails to make sure we were all doing well. Though we didn't see her as much as we would have liked, she always greeted us with a warm, family embrace. We will all miss Cindy's smile and kindness. God be with you until we meet again, cousin!