ALICE WAN JING YEE
December 16th, 1932 – June 20th, 2023
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mrs. Alice Wan Jing Yee on Tuesday, June 20th, 2023 at the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon, SK. She passed away peacefully in the presence of God and her loved ones. Alice was predeceased by her husband, Peter You Jang Yee; and is survived by her children: Tim (Nancy), Danny (Dorothy), Linda, David (Kathleen), and Kelly; grandchildren: Sagan, Taylor-Anne, Michael, Nicholas, Esmé, Kendra and Rhea; step-grandchildren: Rueben (Aimee), Wesley (Lisa), and Chelsa; her five step-great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Alice married her loving husband in Hong Kong and came to Canada in 1952 to start their new life together. Upon their arrival in Canada, they started a restaurant and rooming house in Mossbank, SK. It did not take long for them to become an important part of this small community where they began to raise their eldest sons, Tim and Danny. Mossbank paid tribute to Alice and Peter when the town celebrated their 100-year anniversary. In 1957, they made a bold decision to relocate to Moose Jaw, SK, where they opened a corner grocery store which became a longtime fixture serving the neighbourhood and local high school down the street. Here, they grew their family with the addition of Linda, David, and Kelly. Alice enjoyed working at home and alongside her husband in the store, and the couple were well-loved by all who came through the doors. In 1995, after serving generations of many customers, Alice and Peter decided to retire after 39 years. In Moose Jaw, Alice was an active member of the Chinese community and the Chinese United Church. She enjoyed meeting people and often would share many stories about growing up in Hong Kong. She often wanted to return to visit, but never got the opportunity. She had a wide range of friends and kept in contact with them throughout her lifetime. Her interests included reading, watching Chinese TV shows (especially Cantonese operas), travelling, and visiting with friends and relatives. Alice was loyal to her community and devoted to her family, always wanting the best for them. She will be remembered as caring, gentle, and thoughtful. The family wishes to thank her family physician Dr. Bisayo Olabiyi, the paramedics, and the medical and emergency staff and physicians at Saskatoon City Hospital and Royal University Hospital.
The Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, June 28th, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Minto United Church, 1036 7th Ave NW, Moose Jaw, SK. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Alice’s name may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Cara Ashworth, Intern-Funeral Director 306-693-4550
To the extended Yee family my sincerest condolences. Alice was a much loved member of the community and will be missed by many.
We are very sorry to hear of your precious loss. Losing a parent is never easy. Take comfort in knowing that your mom was a special person who raised a strong and caring family and who was known for her kindness to all.
It is with a Great Deal of Sadness I read the news of Alice’s Passing. She and her late husband Peter(Pete) were two of the kindest most compassionate individuals I have ever known, and both left an indelible mark on not only myself, but my Parents and siblings as well. I have nothing but the fondest memories of my visits to Pete’s Pantry Shelf and the kindness they showed us on numerous occasions.
On behalf of the Boyle family I extend our Sincerest Condolences to Tim Danny Linda David and Kelly and
extended families for your loss.
Brian Boyle
Tim,Danny, Linda, David, Kelly and families
On behalf of our entire family, we are sending our sincere condolences to all of you.
We have all been blessed with so many wonderful memories of Alice may she rest in peace.
The Craigen’s
The Pantry Shelf was much more than a grocery, it was like a community hub for the neighbourhood and made possible by it’s wonderful owners. Condolences to the Yee family, Alice will be missed.
Alice and Pete often provided food for our table. They had a way of knowing when their patrons/neighbours were struggling, and always seemed to have bread or fruits for our large family that were “too dry to sell”. (No they weren’t.) They gave us those and other groceries in a manner that did not make us feel like we were receiving charity. They treated us, whether early morning or late evening, like they respected and appreciated us- always with a smile and a friendly greeting. How fortunate Moose Jaw and our family was to have such likeable, caring, and generous people in our lives.
Deepest, deepest condolences to their wonderful family.
I met Pete and Alice while attending Peacock high school in the 60s. I would stop by the store often while visiting my parents. Mom and Dad stayed in touch with Pete and Alice though the years and they always asked about the family. I would say that they are two of the finest people I have ever met.
Tim, Danny, Linda, David, Kelly and families. Condolences to you all. Your mother was a gem. She and Pete have left long lasting memories for so many of us.
Our deepest condolences to all the families on the loss of Alice. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all at this sad time.
We are saddened by the news of Alice’s passing. Pete, Alice and their family were pillars of our community. My brother and I were paper carriers on the east side of first avenue and frequented the Pantry Shelf almost daily. Life would not have been the same in those days without the little grocery store on the corner of Oxford and Chestnut. Pete and Alice were the most kind and caring people and they left us better people by knowing them. Our condolences to the the family. Alice will be missed.
Brian Kefford
George Kefford