They were loved

Tess Jieun Ha (Photograph by Lucy Lu)

One young journalist’s experience writing obituaries for COVID-19 victims

Tess Jieun Ha: Reaching out to people who lost loved ones to COVID-19 was a daunting assignment. But having the opportunity to describe the rich lives of Asian Canadians was an honour.

Clockwise from top left: Henri P. Labelle, who loved precision in architecture and in dessert; Jamal Ali, who believed in people; Foon Hay Lum, who fought on behalf of lo wah kiu; Derek Burrage, His love shone through; Deb Diemer, always there for everyone else; Sylvia Anita Bijai, who loved taking care of her guests; Nora Castro, who took special care of others; and Dianne Chin, who gave freely, without hesitation.

20,000 Canadians have died of COVID-19. Each of their stories teaches us about life.

Our editorial: More than 400 journalism students across Canada are writing obituaries of COVID-19 victims in Canada. Their work is an exercise in empathy.

They were loved: The Maclean's Obituary Project

They Were Loved: Remembering Canadians who died of COVID-19

A cowboy at heart. A devoted caregiver. A grandpa who sent the best gifts. A nurse who chatted up Freddie Mercury. These are some of those we have lost.

They were loved: The Maclean's Obituary Project

They Were Loved: Honouring Canada’s COVID-19 victims