- Brandon Sun Passages
- All Titles
Search:
Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
SHIRLEY MAY YEE ENG
Born: Nov 17, 1946
Date of Passing: Dec 01, 2024
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation
SHIRLEY MAY YEE ENG
It is with the heaviest hearts, we announce the sudden passing of our beloved mother, Shirley May Yee Eng, on Sunday, December 1, 2024.
Left to cherish her loving memory are her children, Alexandra (Daniel), Irene (Joshua) and David (Nayha), granddaughter, Lily, sister, May Ying, sister-in-law, Yuet Ho, nephews, Frank, Richard, Gary (Flor) and Peter and many dear friends, cousins, nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
Shirley was predeceased by her husband, Peter Yick Fo Eng, her parents, Lap Kwan Yeun and Lane Liang Chung, in-laws, Chui Fung Sau and Tim Yuen Eng, brother, Mickey Yat Ming Chung, sisters, Kwok May Siu and Kwok Ho Li, and brothers-in-law, Harry Lowe, King Foo Eng and Yuen Foo Eng.
Shirley was born in Canton, China on November 17, 1946. In 1958, she moved to Hong Kong with her sister, May Ying. In 1971, while working for a bank in Hong Kong, she was given the opportunity to relocate to England. Instead, she decided to join her sister in Canada, and made the voyage to Winnipeg, Manitoba in January 1972. Having never seen snow before, she didn't know what she was getting herself into, but she happily called Winnipeg home for the next 52 years. In 1974, she married the love of her life, Peter. They planned to become fashion designers in New York City and together in 1978, opened the iconic, Mitzi's Restaurant, with the plan to only be open for 10 years in order to fund their dreams. Over the next 20 years, they raised their three children and saw their business grow beyond their wildest dreams. On April 23, 2001, her dear husband gained his wings and peacefully passed after a long battle with cancer. She continued their legacy for another 23 years, achieving many accolades and awards along the way. On April 13, 2024, she hung up her apron for the final time and began her long awaited retirement. Over the past seven months, she was able to enjoy her days with family and friends.
Shirley will be lovingly remembered as a mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, sister, aunt and dear friend to so many. She showed her love through food, and dedicated her life to serving our community. She truly valued family and was your biggest cheerleader. Her infectious laugh and generous heart will be deeply missed.
Our heartfelt thanks and deepest gratitude to the dedicated staff at the St. Boniface Hospital for their unwavering care and compassion during our mom's final hours.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Thomson in the Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 1291 McGillivray Blvd.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 16, 2024 at the RBC Convention Centre – York Ballroom, 375 York Ave.
In lieu of flowers, condolences and donations can be made to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation or Siloam Mission, two causes Shirley was very passionate about.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 12, 2024
Condolences & Memories (10 entries)
-
Shirley was so wonderful! She always made you feel welcome and special (as did her entire family). I went to Mitzi's for 35 years not just for the food, but for the experience; a Winnipeg landmark. Some people have a very special way about them, and Shirley had this in abundance! I will never forget Shirley, or her beautiful family! Warmest regards to the family. - Posted by: Jeff G (Customer ) on: Dec 23, 2024
-
My wife and I, as well as our family would like to offers our condolences to Shirley's family on her passing. We had known Shirley for some 30yrs and had been long time patrons . Shirley and her family have always been the nicest people and served the most delicious food, you never were disappointed . She will truly be missed R.I.P Shirley. - Posted by: Jack & June Lee (Friends & patrins) on: Dec 21, 2024
-
My blessings to Alex, Irene and David. I cherish my time with your family. Your Mom and Dad both were caring, loving and generous. And yes I will fondly remember the many times your family gifted their appreciation to the daycare. Will miss knowing that Shirley's laugh and smile are missing in the world. Huge hugs to your families. And yes! David I still have the mini porcelain goats you gave to me one Christmas. Love yas. - Posted by: Shelley (Lindsay) Dorge (Director of Daycare for her children, Irene and David) on: Dec 19, 2024
-
I met Shirley over 30 years ago at her restaurant Mitzi‘s. She always remembered my entire family‘s names and always asked how they were doing. She built a restaurant into a Winnipeg icon when she decided it was time to close the doors. People lined up around the block just trying to get one last meal. It’s truly a sad day to lose such a wonderful person. God bless her entire family. I’m so sorry for your loss! - Posted by: Stu Brown (Lifelong Customer) on: Dec 18, 2024
-
My sincere, deepest condolences 🙏 - Posted by: Moe K (Long time acquaintance ) on: Dec 16, 2024
-
I am truly sorry for the loss of Shirley. I did work for Shirley at Mitzie's for over 10 years and she was always so wonderful to deal with. She had a wonderful sense of humor and was always genuinely interested in how I was doing, in business and my family. Shirley was one of those rare individuals whose passion for life and business was matched only by her compassion for her larger community! - Posted by: Robert Kreis (Friend and supplier to Mitzie's) on: Dec 15, 2024
-
We are so sorry for your loss to all Shirley's family. I always loved seeing Shirley smile when I came into the restaurant. After I moved out of Winnipeg, I would still come in several times a year, when I would be in Winnipeg to see Shirley and smile. When people weren't around we would talk about things in our life and things going on. Shirley was always happy to see me and I was definitely happy to see Shirley. Shirley and I talked a long time on the phone the day after the last day Mitzi's was open. We loved Shirley's chicken fingers, they were so unique and the best in the whole world!! Shirley's honey dill dip was the best in the whole world!! Shirley was getting an award at the legislative building and I believe a well deserved award. Shirley you will be missed and you have been missed since you. retired. I know you were so excited to retire and be with your children and grandchildren more. You have worked so hard and we are so grateful for you looking after us for so many years and the 12 years I worked downtown Winnipeg. I will always cherish the care you had about me, I will never forget that. Shirley you are loved by so many people and you will never be forgotten and always cherished in our hearts. - Posted by: angela isaac (patron of Mitzi's) on: Dec 12, 2024
-
Shirley’s son attended a daycare I worked at years ago. Shirley allowed us to have a work party in the restaurant and catered the most delicious meal. She would often gift us chicken fingers at the daycare for parties, etc…. Shirley was warm, friendly and incredibly kind. Condolences to her family. - Posted by: Nikki Humenchuk (Acquaintance ) on: Dec 12, 2024
-
Shirley was one of a kind....a gracious and compassionate person spilled out to the service in the food industry....Mitzis was a wonderful restaurant and why not when Shirley was in charge....Her soul will be missed, thoughts and prayers go out to the family - Posted by: Sheila Webb (Friend) on: Dec 12, 2024
-
Like many other MPI employees, I would visit her restaurant every couple of weeks for many years. Your mother was a lovely lady who was always happy and upbeat regardless of how incredibly busy she was and sometimes dealing with her own physical discomfort. She was definitely a notable Winnipeg individual! Please accept my condolences on her passing. - Posted by: Merril Johnson (Customer ) on: Dec 12, 2024