Arlene Tenn-Yuk

Our Mom was born in Little London in Westmoreland, Jamaica in 1961, the first child of Kathleen and Maurice Williams. She had three siblings, Francis, Carolyn and Mark, who were born one year apart. When she was a young child, the family would go to Negril every Sunday to swim and cook on the beach. This was one of her favourite places that she would often return to as an adult.

She was a talkative and outgoing child, and was often asked to speak at assemblies and plays at St. Theresa Prep School in Kingston. She spent one year at Immaculate Conception High School before moving to Canada with her family in the 1970s for a better life. The family moved from Jane and Finch to Etobicoke before landing in Scarborough, where she attended Albert Campbell Collegiate Institute, and found a strong Jamaican community.

Mom was a vibrant person who could talk to anyone — we mean anyone! She would light up a room with her bright smile and laugh, fancy outfits and endless stories. She could make anyone feel special and part of the family.

She was a huge sports fan — watching every sport under the sun — especially the Toronto Raptors, Toronto Blue Jays and tennis. You could always find Mom cheering at one of our sports games, a Raptors game or yelling in front of the TV. She also loved shopping and travelling with her family on beach vacations, where no one was brave enough to outlast her in the sun!

She had a career in finance for 40 years and met many long-lasting friends who became family to her. Over the last two-and-a-half years, our Mom was diagnosed with metastatic ovarian cancer. During her cancer journey, she became a light and inspiration to everyone she came across. She fought until the end, showing us immense strength, hope and faith.

Mom wanted to live to her 90s, so she could see her three grandchildren grow up. They were her pride, joy and legacy. We find solace in knowing she is no longer suffering and in pain, and is finally reunited with her first daughter, Danielle, Popo, Gung Gung, Apo and our many other ancestors. She will be missed by so many, including her children, Jonathan (Adrienne), Jenna (Ellie), Jordan (Monica), grandchildren (Zachary, Kelsey, Elyse), grandpuppies (Leo, Jack), husband (Robert), parents, siblings and many family and friends.

We want to thank everyone who supported our Mom on her cancer journey. Your care truly touched her and encouraged her every day to live life to the fullest. We also want to thank the amazing healthcare providers at Markham Stouffville Hospital’s Cancer Centre who supported her. Our deepest gratitude to her oncologist, Dr. Cardenas, Dr. Sethna and the compassionate nurses, admin and volunteers who put a smile on her face. If you are able to join us in person, we encourage you to come in colourful clothing as our Mom wanted this to be a celebration and party of her incredible life! In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Ovarian Cancer Canada and Good News Assembly of God.

The next time you are at the beach, watching sports or out shopping, think of our Mom and bring her with you. Allow her bright light to uplift you, bring you a smile and remind you that she is always with us.

Funeral Livestream: