Obituary for Mary Hin Moy Sie
Mary Hin Moy Sie
March 12, 1946 – July 18, 2021
It is with heavy hearts we announce the sudden but peaceful passing of our beautiful and beloved Wife, Oma, Mom, Sister, Aunty and friend, Mary Hin Moy Sie on Sunday, July 18, 2021. Born to Boen Kwet Kong and Lie Ban Nio on March 12, 1946 in Bandung, Indonesia, Mary was the sixth of nine children. She is lovingly remembered by her husband William Kian Boen, children Oliver and Priscilla (& John), and her grandchildren Garrett, Olivia and Thomas. In addition, she is survived by her sisters Julie and Flora, brothers Danny and Max, along with many nieces and nephews and countless friends. She is predeceased by her sister Hetty, and brothers Jan, Tony and Freddy.
Mary spent her childhood and teen years in Bandung, when at the age of 16 she met her partner in life and love, Kian Boen (“Bill”) who was studying at Institut Teknologi Bandung. Mary, at aged 19, moved to Germany and Bill soon followed her there after completing his undergraduate degree. In 1968, Mary and Bill immigrated to Toronto, Canada where Mary studied at George Brown College, while Bill completed his Masters of Engineering at U of T. They married in 1970, and eight years later moved to Vancouver with their two young children, Oliver and Priscilla, whom they raised in a home full of love and faith with Mary as the pillar of the family.
Mary was the most devoted, supportive and loving wife to Bill, and mother to Oliver and Priscilla. She was always there to listen without judgement, to offer advice and guidance. She celebrated with us in happy times and comforted in difficult ones. Mary also adored her friends, who would describe her as a selfless, caring, compassionate and extraordinarily generous person. Mary was incredibly outgoing. She loved to travel and be together with her friends and family. The organizer of countless dinner parties, luncheons, group getaways and prayer groups, Mary was also always up for a game of mahjong anytime. It was such a joy to be in Mary’s presence, with her warmth, impeccable beauty and style, her sense of humour, fun-loving nature and charismatic personality – she was the life of a party.
Mary was also immensely devoted to her Catholic faith, and dedicated much of her time to her Church and her Indonesian community. You could depend on her to extend a helping hand, or a listening ear to those who needed it, whether stranger or friend. Mary was always genuinely more concerned with the needs of others than that of her own. She was a grandmother, mother and sister figure to so many beyond her own family.
The birth of her grandchildren in her later years brought Mary boundless energy and happiness as she adored spending time with them. Garrett, Olivia and Thomas will always hold their Oma close to their hearts. They will fondly remember how much she was present for them, and how much of a force she was in their young lives. She loved to spoil them with her love and affection (as well as toys and ice cream), while always guiding them on a foundation of love, kindness and faith.
Mary, you left us on this Earth too soon but we know that your light will continue to guide and shine upon us.
“Angel of God, my guardian dear, To whom God’s love commits me here, Ever this day, be at my side,
To light, to guard, to rule, and guide. -Amen”
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Covenant House Vancouver. Private services held at this time. A Celebration of Mary’s Life will be held at a later date.
March 12, 1946 – July 18, 2021
It is with heavy hearts we announce the sudden but peaceful passing of our beautiful and beloved Wife, Oma, Mom, Sister, Aunty and friend, Mary Hin Moy Sie on Sunday, July 18, 2021. Born to Boen Kwet Kong and Lie Ban Nio on March 12, 1946 in Bandung, Indonesia, Mary was the sixth of nine children. She is lovingly remembered by her husband William Kian Boen, children Oliver and Priscilla (& John), and her grandchildren Garrett, Olivia and Thomas. In addition, she is survived by her sisters Julie and Flora, brothers Danny and Max, along with many nieces and nephews and countless friends. She is predeceased by her sister Hetty, and brothers Jan, Tony and Freddy.
Mary spent her childhood and teen years in Bandung, when at the age of 16 she met her partner in life and love, Kian Boen (“Bill”) who was studying at Institut Teknologi Bandung. Mary, at aged 19, moved to Germany and Bill soon followed her there after completing his undergraduate degree. In 1968, Mary and Bill immigrated to Toronto, Canada where Mary studied at George Brown College, while Bill completed his Masters of Engineering at U of T. They married in 1970, and eight years later moved to Vancouver with their two young children, Oliver and Priscilla, whom they raised in a home full of love and faith with Mary as the pillar of the family.
Mary was the most devoted, supportive and loving wife to Bill, and mother to Oliver and Priscilla. She was always there to listen without judgement, to offer advice and guidance. She celebrated with us in happy times and comforted in difficult ones. Mary also adored her friends, who would describe her as a selfless, caring, compassionate and extraordinarily generous person. Mary was incredibly outgoing. She loved to travel and be together with her friends and family. The organizer of countless dinner parties, luncheons, group getaways and prayer groups, Mary was also always up for a game of mahjong anytime. It was such a joy to be in Mary’s presence, with her warmth, impeccable beauty and style, her sense of humour, fun-loving nature and charismatic personality – she was the life of a party.
Mary was also immensely devoted to her Catholic faith, and dedicated much of her time to her Church and her Indonesian community. You could depend on her to extend a helping hand, or a listening ear to those who needed it, whether stranger or friend. Mary was always genuinely more concerned with the needs of others than that of her own. She was a grandmother, mother and sister figure to so many beyond her own family.
The birth of her grandchildren in her later years brought Mary boundless energy and happiness as she adored spending time with them. Garrett, Olivia and Thomas will always hold their Oma close to their hearts. They will fondly remember how much she was present for them, and how much of a force she was in their young lives. She loved to spoil them with her love and affection (as well as toys and ice cream), while always guiding them on a foundation of love, kindness and faith.
Mary, you left us on this Earth too soon but we know that your light will continue to guide and shine upon us.
“Angel of God, my guardian dear, To whom God’s love commits me here, Ever this day, be at my side,
To light, to guard, to rule, and guide. -Amen”
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Covenant House Vancouver. Private services held at this time. A Celebration of Mary’s Life will be held at a later date.