On August 9th, my Mom, Sandra Wilking, passed away surrounded by her family. She was a strong-willed person who showed her love by being present. For her community, that meant engaging in public service; for friends and family, it meant throwing the best parties with amazing food; for me, it meant she was always there for me no matter how busy she got. She could strike up a conversation with anyone and wasn’t shy about discussing politics. Never one to sugarcoat things, she was straightforward and unapologetic. She knew what she wanted and how to achieve it. We remember her as a trailblazer and devoted public servant, celebrating her every time we gather around the round table. Her spirit is greatly missed. What follows is the obituary that my late father Wayne Mullins wrote before he passed away. His wish was to share it with you. — Sandra’s journey through life on three continents has come to an end. Born in apartheid South Africa to Chinese parents with Hakka roots, Sandra moved with her family to Hong Kong when she was nine years old and graduated from Diocesan Girls’ School. She came to Canada to study sociology at Simon Fraser University, earning her degree with honors in 1972. After that, she embraced Canada as her home-a country of which she took great pride. Throughout her career and volunteer work, she worked hard to enhance the multicultural and multiracial fabric of Canada. Her first job after graduating involved leading a group of Canadians and Malaysians during the inaugural year of the Canada World Youth program (1972-73), which aimed at promoting cross-cultural understanding. In 1988, voters elected her to Vancouver City Council, making her the first Chinese-Canadian woman ever elected to any political office in BC. Later on in her career, she served as a federal citizenship judge from 2003-2008. During citizenship ceremonies, she encouraged new citizens to give back by volunteering for their adopted country. Sandra herself dedicated countless hours volunteering throughout her life. From 1981-1988, she served as a volunteer for SUCCESS including time spent as board chair; also serving on boards for organizations like the Canadian Race Relations Foundation (1996-2000), Vancouver Foundation (1991-98), College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC (2002-05), among numerous other non-profits. In 1992, SFU honored Sandra with an Alumni of the Year award recognizing her commitment to community service. In terms of personal life, Sandra centered herself around family and friends-her daughter Alexandra and husband Wayne were everything to her. She loved cooking and hosting gatherings filled with delicious food where good conversations flowed freely along with laughter. Special occasions like Thanksgiving or Christmas saw her inviting those who would otherwise spend those days alone because meeting others’ needs mattered most. Sandra also had a passion for reading and traveling extensively across Canada, Asia, and Europe; enjoying adventures such as river rafting or going on hot air balloon rides along with taking safaris through Serengeti or helicopter flights over Kauai’s landscapes while cherishing quiet moments by ocean waves at their family cabin located within Gulf Islands. Over these last ten years though challenged by Progressive Supranuclear Palsy-an uncommon neurological disorder-Sandra faced adversity head-on demonstrating remarkable courage combined with grace alongside dignity without complaints while keeping humor intact until last breath taken expressing gratitude towards all who visited offering support during difficult times ahead! Sandra will be deeply missed by both family members alongside many close friends left behind here today! Predeceased are parents Rose & James plus beloved husband Wayne but survived include daughter Alexandra sister Ginny (Greg) together children Mary(Duncan) Steven(Lai Cheng) alongside sister Sylvia & sons Warren(Fatma) Derek(Priscilla) plus respective families too! Additionally brother-in-law Gary(Doreen) along children Garth(Lisa) Gillian & further relatives across nations including cousins nieces nephews spread out within regions such as Canada UK South Africa Mauritius Myanmar China! The entire family feels immense gratitude towards staff members working tirelessly at Normanna Care Home located Burnaby providing loving cheerful care shown towards Sandra over seven long years endured! Should anyone wish donate honoring Sandra’s memory please consider contributing towards Normanna(normanna. ca), Cure PSP(www. psp. org), S. U. C. C. E. S. S (https://successbc. ca),), Christ Church Cathedral(https://www. thecathedral. ca)), or select another charity meaningful personally instead! A Celebration Of Life ceremony shall take place scheduled Christ Church Cathedral(690 Burrard St., Vancouver BC) happening November eighteen two thousand twenty-five promptly starting at two PM!
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