On August 9th, my Mom, Sandra Wilking, passed away surrounded by her family. She was a strong-willed person who showed her love through actions. For her community, that meant public service; for friends and family, it meant throwing the best parties with amazing food; for me, it always meant being there whenever I needed her, no matter how busy she was. She could strike up a conversation with anyone and wasn’t afraid to discuss politics. Always straightforward and honest, she knew what she wanted and how to achieve it. She’s remembered as a pioneer and devoted public servant; we celebrate her every time we gather around the dining table, and her spirit is profoundly 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 life journey across three continents has come to an end. Born in apartheid South Africa to Chinese parents of Hakka descent, 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, graduating with honors in 1972. She then embraced Canada as her home-a country she held deep pride in. Throughout her career and volunteer work, she aimed to enhance Canada’s multicultural and multiracial fabric. Her first job after graduation involved leading a group of Canadians and Malaysians in the inaugural year of the Canada World Youth program (1972-73), which promoted cross-cultural understanding. In 1988, voters elected her to Vancouver City Council, making her the first Chinese-Canadian woman elected to any political office in BC. Later in her career, she served as a federal citizenship judge (2003-08). During citizenship ceremonies, she encouraged new citizens to give back by volunteering. Sandra generously dedicated much of her spare time volunteering herself. She served as a SUCCESS volunteer (1981-88), including time as board chair; was a board member of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation (1996-2000), Vancouver Foundation (1991-98), College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC (2002-05), among many other non-profit organizations. In 1992, SFU recognized Sandra with an Alumni of the Year award for her community service. In her personal life, Sandra focused on family and friends. Her daughter Alexandra and husband Wayne were always at the center of her world. She loved cooking for them and entertaining guests-good food along with good conversations made every gathering special. On occasions like Thanksgiving or Christmas or even Chinese New Year, she’d invite those who might be alone otherwise because meeting others’ needs mattered deeply to Sandra. Sandra also had a passion for reading and traveling extensively throughout Canada, Asia, and Europe. Her last international trip took her to East Africa and Mauritius. Adventure called out too: river rafting trips, hot air balloon rides over scenic landscapes like Kauai’s open doors during helicopter tours above stunning views were just some highlights from her travels closer to home where quiet moments by the ocean at our family cabin in Gulf Islands were cherished times spent reflecting on life. For the last ten years of hers due to a rare neurological disorder known as Progressive Supranuclear Palsy that cannot be cured-she faced this challenge head-on displaying courage grace dignity without complaint while keeping humor intact right until very end itself! Gratefulness resonated strongly within heart each visit received during tough times made things lighter along way! Sandra will be greatly missed by both immediate relatives plus many dear friends alike! Predeceased by both parents Rose James alongside loving husband Wayne survives through daughter Alexandra sister Ginny (Greg) their kids Mary (Duncan) Steven(Lai Cheng); sister Sylvia along with sons Warren(Fatma) Derek(Priscilla) their children respectively too! Brother-in-law Gary(Doreen) together kids Garth(Lisa) Gillian grandkids counted among more cousins nieces nephews across several nations including Canada UK South Africa Mauritius Myanmar China overall! The family expresses heartfelt gratitude towards staff members providing care at Normanna Care Home Burnaby – showering love kindness cheerfulness past seven years they offered support uniquely touching hearts daily lives touched throughout duration! Should donations arise rememberance purposes intended-we kindly encourage consideration towards Normanna(normanna. ca) Cure PSP(www. psps. org) S. U. C. C. E. S. S(https://successbc. ca) Christ Church Cathedral(https://www. thecathedral. ca) any other chosen charity instead! A Celebration Life event shall occur taking place Christ Church Cathedral located 690 Burrard St Vancouver BC scheduled November 18th start time set exactly at two o’clock afternoon promptly thereafter!
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