Mah, Valerie
Valerie Ann Mah (née Lor) was born and raised in Brockville, Ontario. Her parents owned and ran the New York Café in Brockville for 55 years, and Valerie helped in the restaurant both as a child and an adult. In 1957, Valerie moved to Toronto, Ontario to attend university, earning a B.A. and B.Ed. She earned her Master’s degree in Education while working full time to support her family. During her teaching career, Valerie worked as a Special Education teacher, a Vice Principal and finally a Principal. She retired in 2003.
In 1964, Valerie married Daniel Mah, son of the first Chinese Presbyterian Minister in Toronto, Rev. T.K. Wou Mah. Daniel’s mother, Anna Ma, organized Chinese Christian women’s meetings and activities in the pre-World War Two years, one of the only social outlets for Chinese Canadian women during this period. Daniel and Valerie were instrumental in the founding of the Mon Sheong Home for the Aged in 1975, the first nursing home in Toronto catering to an aging Chinese Canadian population. Valerie was a key organizer of But Women Did Come: 150 Years of Chinese Women in North America (1987), a historical photo exhibition demonstrating the role of Chinese American and Chinese Canadian women in families and communities. The photos from this exhibition are available in this database. In 2004, Valerie ran as a NDP candidate in the Federal election. At the time of the interview, Valerie was an active Board member for many community organizations.
In this four-part interview, Valerie Mah discusses her family’s restaurant business, her childhood in a small Ontario community, her experiences as a teacher and community activist in Toronto, her early dating experiences and marriage to Daniel Mah and the importance of educating people about Chinese customs and traditions.
Valerie was born in Brockville, Ontario, and her family was one of only two Chinese families living in the community. Valerie’s parents opened New York Café, which was one of the few eateries that served military service personnel training in Brockville. Valerie discusses the various awards and distinctions her family members have received.
While offering her reflections of life in small-town Ontario, Valerie notes the significance of a Presbyterian Church congress held in Toronto, which brought together Chinese Canadians from across the country. In later years, Valerie moved to Toronto, where she attended teachers college, eventually earning her Master’s degree and completing courses that led to a position as school principal.
In addition to public speaking and hosting community events, Valerie represents the Chinese community on TV and in radio interviews, and was asked to be part of the Ontario Advisory Council on Multiculturalism. Valerie touches on her community work throughout the interview, noting her contributions as a board member and volunteer with the Mon Sheong Foundation. Valerie reflects on the pride she has in sharing and educating others about Chinese traditions and customs.
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