Chan Seung Yan, Sonja (’71)

Miss Barr in Shanghai was all smiles when she picked up our video call to wish her a happy 90th birthday on 8 April 2023 (Saturday).  Rev C.C. Lee (’50) graciously let us arrange this mini celebration in her home at Jolly Place, Tseung Kwan O. 

Just as everyone was very excited in exchanging greetings, a huge bouquet of 90 pink roses, decorated with tiny white light bulbs, was delivered right on time!  What a beautiful and fabulous surprise for Miss Barr!  And Miss Barr had a pink sweater on, matching perfectly.  Thanks to the coordination of Ruth (’72)(our former principal), the splendorous blossoms were chosen to represent our long lasting love and respect for our very dear teacher, and I dare say, friend.  

Miss Barr in Shanghai

From left: Rev C.C. Lee, Eunice Wong, Ruth Shek

Mr George Wang, Miss Barr’s husband, played “Auld Lyne Syne” with his harmonica.  On his encore, we all sang along to his musical tune.  It was definitely a highlight, and Rev C.C. remarked, “George, you look very handsome!” to the delight of all.

On Miss Barr’s special birthday, 2 teachers and 5 students*, 2 decades apart in age and living in 3 different cities (Hong Kong, Shanghai and Melbourne), were able to be united in the true spirit of “though apart, the heart never feels the distance (身遠心莫離)”!

*Cheung Yuen Ting, Mabel (’68), Tong Yuk Ying, Sheila (’68),  Wong Wai, Eunice (’68), Chan Seung Yan, Sonja (’71) and Shek Yuk Yu, Ruth(’72)

From left: Sonja Chan, Rev C.C. Lee, Eunice Wong, Mable Cheung, Sheila Tong who resides in Melbourne