JOE (nee Lo), Felicidad “Fillis” Virginia born March 6, 1935 in Guangzhou (Canton), China, passed away April 30, 2015 after a courageous 4 year battle with cancer.

Fillis was predeceased by her loving husband of 52 years, Bill; parents Jorge & Virginia Lo, brother George & pre-term granddaughter Faith.  She is survived by her loving children, son Gregg, daughter Salina (Sal Ruffolo), sons Wesley (Amy Chan) & Tony (Susan Froher); precious grandchildren Talia, Lorenzo, Thomas & Aurora.  Fillis was born into a large family of 7 children, leaving behind brothers Charles (Agnes), Albert (Selina), William (Violet), Thomas (Esme), only sister Bernarda (Albert Wong), sister-in-law Margaret, many nieces, nephews & cousins in Canada, the US, Hong Kong & Peru.

In HK Fillis attended St. Mary’s Canossian Catholic School.  In 1957 she was a nursery school music teacher when she met her sweetheart, Bill.  After their wedding reception at the famed Peninsula Hotel, Bill brought Fillis back to his home town, Victoria.  Fillis eventually joined Bill at the B & E Food Market on Fort at Cook before selling the 30 year family business in 1988.  Her experience & excellent customer service, work ethic & vibrant personality continued at the Hillside Pharmasave until retirement in 2006.  She continued to be active in the Chinese community & at St. Patrick’s Parish.  Her strong Catholic Faith guided her in many works of community service including prayer groups, visiting the sick & singing in choirs.  Her entire life was filled with music including her children’s piano recitals & listening to her downloaded music to her last days. Fillis was warm & vivacious with a very active social life, practising Tai Chi, cooking, gardening, dancing, mah jong & mall walking groups.  Following her mother Virginia’s travelling “bug” she visited many continents in her lifetime.  Fillis loved & was passionately dedicated to her family.  She enjoyed special times with her siblings, Bill’s family & cherished her children & grandchildren.  Their home was the centre of many warm gatherings as Fillis was well-known for her excellence in Chinese cuisine & traditions.

Her legacy will be left with the family & friends she kept united with her love & open arms.  Special thanks in her last months & weeks to her sister Bernie & brothers/spouses who travelled here, brother-in-law Jon, nieces Elayne, Shirley & Yu, friends Lita, Cecelia & Henry, Liz, Norma, Vilma, Rose, Alice, Dina, Heidi, No, Liew & Leung families, choir & Villa friends; Drs. How, Ksienski, Kolodziejczk; amazing nurses, HCAs, doctors & staff of RJH PCC Oncology 8S & BC Cancer Agency.  She will always be remembered for her Faith, positive outlook, unwavering kindness & generosity.  Fillis is sadly missed but forever in the hearts of a multitude of family & friends.

Viewing at 7 pm on Tuesday, May 5, 2015; Mass to celebrate Fillis’ life on Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at 12:10 pm – both presided by Rev. Father Alfred Alilio, music by Susan & choir & held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 2060 Haultain St, Victoria.  Internment at Royal Oak Burial Park followed by a reception at St. Patrick’s Church hall, coordinated by Bruna & the CWL & generously offered by Lita.  At Fillis’s request, in lieu of flowers donations can be made in her memory to the BC Cancer Agency http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/donate OR Community Living Victoria  http://www.communitylivingvictoria.ca/get-involved/make-a-donation/

 

McCall Bros. Funeral Home

www.mccallbros.com

  • Stacy Dwyer

    Dearest Fillis, your warmth and generosity is incredible. I will always remember your kindness and big-heartedness, forever and ever. Your energy and smile would make me so happy, every time I would see you.
    When I go to Pharmasave I still expect to see you there.
    Thank you Fillis, for everything you did for me, and for your warmth and love. You have truly been an inspiration.
    My sincere condolences to your family.

  • Theresa and Charles Low

    We are very sorry for your loss. She will be greatly missed. Stay strong and Take Care.

    Charles and Theresa Low

  • Albert Lo

    Memorizing Fillis, our beloved sister

    How we remember her of her love of the family, and kindness to all friends and acquaintances:

    LIVING HEART FOREVER LIVES
    GRECIOUS KINDNESS WIDELY GIVES

  • Ronald Lo

    Along the Road /
    I walked a mile with Pleasure;
    She chattered all the way.
    But left me none the wiser
    For all she had to say.
    I walked a mile with Sorrow
    And ne’er a word said she;
    But oh, the things
    I learned from her
    When Sorrow
    walked with me!

    To Those Whom I love & Those Who Love Me /
    When I am gone, release me, let me go.
    I have so many things to see and do,
    You mustn’t tie yourself to me with too many tears,
    But be thankful we had so many good years.

    I gave you my love, and you can only guess
    How much you’ve given me in happiness.
    I thank you for the love that you have shown,
    But now it is time I traveled on alone.

    So grieve for me a while, if grieve you must,
    Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
    It is only for a while that we must part,
    So treasure the memories within your heart.

    I won’t be far away for life goes on.
    And if you need me, call and I will come.

    Though you can’t see or touch me, I will be near.
    And if you listen with your heart, you’ll hear,
    All my love around you soft and clear.

    And then, when you come this way alone,
    I’ll greet you with a smile and a ‘Welcome Home’.

    Dear Auntie Fillis;

    I feel sorry I cannot make it over to see the last moment of your eyes. And I know you understand. Thank you for your love and passion taking care of young boy like me. I am so proud to be living with you and Uncle Bill for all those years. Your smile, your gestures and your hard-working attitude always remain in my heart. Your teaching, your thoughts, and your love left me many valuable guidelines in life. Truly, it is wonderful to have your Mother love.

    Thank you, Auntie Fillis
    Thank you for ALL.
    Kiss you, Goodbye like the moment at the airport when I left you.

    Ronald Lo

  • Violet and William LO

    Our dearest and greatest elder sister and auntie,

    We are thankful for having you in our life! Though we are apart for the moment, your smiles and positive spirits will forever stay in our hearts!

    We love you so very much and may Peace be with You!

    Cheriann, Virginia Amy, Rafaela, Violet, William and Eddie
    from Hong Kong

  • Tana Chen

    You are a such beautiful kind and warmhearted grandma. I have never been visit you, but I know you have powerful love to give to everyone around you. May you rest in peace.

Leave Condolence

Type your condolence message into the box below and click "Submit". It may take up to 24 hours for it to appear. Your email address will not be published.

*

Search Website

ESTATE PLANNING SEMINAR