Siow Wooi "Shirley" Chang

I did not know Shirley had passed until recently when I found her marker in the Evergreen Cemetery. I was shocked. My Wife and I visited all her restaurants back into the early days. And watched Ben grow up when Shirley brought him to work with her.
My deepest condolences to the family, she is missed a lot. I am sorry.

Dear Ben,
We were so very sorry to hear about your mom's passing. We remember you and your family from Maplewood Montessori school. Your mother was a warm and welcoming person - inviting and hosting gatherings for the school at your house. Deepest condolences to you and your father.
Lisa (Whited), Pete, Claire, Alexander + Gabriel Chanis

My family and I have been going to their buffet since i was so was so young, she and my parents were close and she treated us like family. To the Chang family, im so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you, may she rest in peace ❤️

From Amy Lam

Deepest condolences. Shirley was such a good person. She always had a warm smile, and a kind word.

这太突然了。希望你们节哀顺变。

Dear Mr. Chen, Ben, Siblings of Shirley, and Friends of Shirley,

Please accept my profoundly deep condolences for the huge, sudden, unbelievable, tragic loss of Shirley.

Shirley was a great lady and wonderful Christian who loved the Lord, her family, and friends with her very best. I am very fortunate and blessed to have had close friendship with her when I lived in Maine. I will greatly miss her like you all do.  No matter how many tears are shed, how many questions are raised, how many fears are felt, God always opens His hands to embrace you and me!!!   

I have been comforted by the following poems. I hope they can minister to you as well. In order to work all the poems in, the spacing in them is modified.

May His unconditional, endless, and profound love, peace, and strength with be you and me!!!
Pastor C Wong
+ + +

[A mother’s love is always with her children]
Losing a mother is one of the deepest sorrows that a heart may know. But her goodness, her caring, her wisdom live on-like a legacy of love that will always be with you. May that love surround you now and give you peace. - Helen Steiner Rice
*********

[The Garden of Friendship]
There is no garden so complete. But Roses could make the place more sweet. There is no life so rich and rare. But one more life could enter there. Like roses in a garden, kindness fills the air. With a certain bit of sweetness, as it touches everywhere. - Helen Steiner Rice
***********

“It broke our hearts to lose you, but you never went alone, for part of us went with you, the day God took you home.” -Author unknown, (modified)
*************

[I'm Free – Unknown]
This poem is attributed to various authors and is also known by several different titles
Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free, I'm following the path God laid for me.
I took his hand when I heard his call, I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day, To laugh, to love, to work, to play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way, I've found that peace at the close of the day.
If my parting has left a void,Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow,I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My Life's been full, I savoured much, Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch,
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me, God wanted me now, He set me free.
****************

[A BEND IN THE ROAD]
When we feel we have nothing left to give
and we are sure that the song has ended
When our day seems over and the shadows fall
and the darkness of night has descended
Where can we go to find the strength
to valiantly keep on trying
Where can we find the hand that will dry
the tears that the heart is crying
There’s but one place to go and that is to God
and dropping all pretense and pride
We can pour out our problems without restraint
and gain strength with Him at our side
And together we stand at life’s crossroads
and view what we think is the end
But God has a much bigger vision
and He tells us it’s only a bend
For the road goes on and is smoother
and the pause in the song is a rest
And the part that’s unsung and unfinished
is the sweetest and richest and best
So rest and relax and grow stronger
let go and let God share your load
Your work is not finished or ended
you’ve just come to a bend in the road
-Helen Steiner Rice ( Song playing is An Irish Blessing by Roma Downey and Phil Coulter)
************************

John 11:25 (Bible)
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
27 She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

John 3:16
(Bible)
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

                            - BE BLESSED ❤️