Person

Ko, Mary Chan Wah

• Mary Ko Bong

1917-2011

Mary KO was born KO Chan Wah on July 17, 1917. She was one of ten children born to G.B. (Go Bong) Simon and Jew Fun Shee, originally from Victoria.

Mary served in WWII with the Canadian Womens' Army Corp (CWAC) and was an instrument mechanic. She repaired binoculars, gun sights, compasses and other optical aids.

Mary completed six months of training in Hamilton, Ontario where she learned how to operate a lathe and manufacture parts. During her days off, Mary loved to sing jazz and dance and would frequently entertain fellow soldiers.

Mary was the first in her family to sign up for the war effort. She later was joined in the service by three of her brothers: John, Andrew and Peter Ko. A photo of the four siblings in uniform, along with their proud father, was taken by Yucho Chow Studio and can be found in the City of Vancouver Archives.

After the war, Mary went on to become a watchmaker. She never married.

She passed away January 24, 2011 at the age of 93.

Ko Bong (Family)

Ko, Bong (1880-1957)

Jew Fun Shee ([1875]-1938)

Ko, Mathew (1909-2000)

Ko, Mark (1911-1928)

Ko, Mabel Sue Wah (1913-1935)

Ko, Ruby Dain Wah (1915-1935)

Ko, Andrew (1922-2002)

Ko, Garnet (1923-1931)

Ko, Luke (1912-1932)

Ko, John (1912-2008)

Ko, Peter

Description supplied by collector/curator