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Lijen Lim
Frances Lim, MD, FRCSC
June 29th, 1938 - April 7th, 2022
June 29th, 1938 - April 7th, 2022
It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of the bedrock of our family, Dr. Frances Lim. Cherished wife of Heng Cheah, loving mother of Liping (Norman) and Lijen (Sunny), devoted and doting popo to Kailin and Kaiyan.
The youngest of nine children, Frances demonstrated her intellectual excellence early on, skipping multiple grades upon entering school. After graduating from Nanyang University, in Singapore, she set sail for Canada to further her studies. She was one of only three women in her medical school class at Queen’s University and one of very few women to pursue a career in surgery. She had a rich and fulfilling career as an obstetrician/ gynecologist in Winnipeg, bringing multiple generations of babies into the world, often from the same family! Although her work was her passion, after retiring, she transitioned easily and happily into her new, self- proclaimed vocation in Toronto- popo to her two grandchildren. Once she retired, Mom also took her other passion, traveling, to another level, visiting 5 continents with Dad. Their 56-year marriage was a truly symbiotic relationship and was a testament to the beauty and power of unconditional love and unwavering devotion.
In the last decade of her life, particularly the last three years, Frances faced and mightily overcame a series of devastating health setbacks. Her tenacious spirit and determination to recover during this time was always inspiring and often beyond belief. We are so grateful for the additional time we were able to share with her.
We would like to thank the staff at the Wexford Residence, in particular, Dr. Larry Bacher, and the staff at Scarborough General Hospital, in particular Dr. Howard Clasky, for their dedicated care of our mother.
A private family gathering has taken place. Due to the current Covid-19 surge, a celebration of her remarkable life is planned for her birthday, in June.In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to Doctors Without Borders, or to a charity of your choice. Please also consider sharing any memories you may have of Frances in the space below.
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Tributes
Share a favorite memory, send condolences, and honor Frances’s life with a heartfelt message.
Dr M Jason
So sorry to hear about Dr Lim. She was so dedicated at all hours of the day and night. I enjoyed working with her and scrubbing in with her in the o/r doing complicated cases @ the Victoria She always seemed so chipper and was so competent. Condolences to her family as we all miss her.
Pravin Patel
I worked with Dr. Lim at Victoria General Hospital for over 25 years, and it was a joy and pleasure to have done so. I am so sorry to have just heard the news of her passing. Frances was a very dedicated MD, with an exceptional personality for an MD. She will be very much missed by her family & doting popos.
Richard Blouw Md
The world has lost a caring, competent and kind physician, wife , mother and grandmother who I had the pleasure of working with for many years ( 30, plus or minus )when she worked as a consultant in Obst. and Gyne. at Victoria and St.Boniface hospitals. As others have noted, she was calm, capable and truly dedicated to her patients and had a sense of duty that is more difficult to find in this era. Sleep deprivation doesn't bring out the best in many people, but Frances was remarkable in her ability to make herself second and the patient first in her hospital and clinic work, and as a consequence she was very busy and had an excellent reputation; this is probably the greatest asset that a physician can aspire to, the positive recognition of your peer group. Frances was modest and quiet, but there was no lack of depth in her character or abilities. Although Winnipeg missed her upon her retirement, I'm glad she made up for the time she missed with her own kids by moving to Toronto to be the popo for her two grandchildren. She made the world a better place. Richard Blouw MD
Apoorva B
My entire life I have known only the name of the obstetrician who saved my life and my mom’s life: “Dr. Francis (sic) Lim”, who I had from this name assumed was a man. 35 years ago my mom had an abruption in the waiting room and Dr. Lim did a crash section. I have a scar on my face from that day but have never stopped being grateful! I am a surgeon now but it is absolutely special to read about Dr. Lim’s rich life and her tenacious drive! What an awesome person!
Ceci Kaufman
Frances was a wonderful physician. As a professional woman, I wanted a female gynaecologist and my father, also a physician, recommend Frances as she had a stellar reputation. She delivered all four of my children and always took excellent care of me, both physically and emotionally. I am truly grateful she was a part of my life. My sincere condolences on her passing.
Rossana Deluca Rnbn
I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Lim at St. Boniface hospital on the postpartum unit. Her compassion and warm smile could be felt by both staff and clients. She delivered all three of my children with patience, humour and grace. Sincere condolences to the family who lost a genuinely remarkable woman.
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