November 18, 1926 – February 23, 2025
With deep feelings of loss, we announce the peaceful passing of Marie Ming Chao Yao on February 23, 2025, at the age of 98.
Born in Shanghai, China, Marie grew up in a loving home despite the hardships of political unrest and wars. She and her sister (Ming Lae) moved to Taiwan, where they embraced Christianity and met their devoted husbands. In 1953, she married Yun-Te Yao (1921 – 2013), and together they raised three children: Celia Agar (John), Linda Yao (Doug Walker), and George Yao (Kim). Seeking a better future, the family settled in Canada in 1968, where Marie worked at Conestoga College and Yun-Te at the Guelph University.
Marie’s life was filled with faith, family, and friendship. She loved sewing, music, sharing her faith, and serving her church and community, especially with the Chinese division of the Calvary Baptist Church. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she is deeply missed by her grandchildren Jason Agar (Abi D’Sa), Jesse Agar, Jacob Agar (Shannon Cressman), Esther Yao, and Isaac Yao, and great-grandchildren Inara Agar and Kieran Agar.
Marie was blessed with family, loving friends, prayer partners, Bible study group, and sisters in the Lord, who stood by her side in faith and love until the very end.
Marie’s faith never wavered, and she leaves us with this message: “Continue to pray, walk with the Lord, and praise Him for all He does until we meet again.”
A celebration of her life will be held at Gilbert MacIntyre & Son, Hart Chapel (1099 Gordon St., Guelph) on March 24, 2025:
- Visitation: 10:30 am – 11:30 am
- Funeral Service: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
- Luncheon: 12:30 pm