On March 29, Back Lane Studios held an Extraordinary Women event about two remarkable grandmothers – Tri Psi Jean Lumb and Foon Hay Lum – through a documentary and discussion with Tri Delta Arlene Chan (Jean’s daughter) and Helen Lee (Foon Hay’s granddaughter).

Both grandmothers had connections to Toronto neighbourhoods. Jean Lumb, who was inducted into the Order of Canada, ran a grocery store with her husband in the Junction before opening a restaurant downtown, where she became immersed in community issues. Foon Hay Lum – who lived to 111, survived war, revolution and deprivation in China – resided in Parkdale for over 50 years. A motion to name a laneway in Parkdale after her will soon go before City Council.

Tri Psi Christine Calhoun attended the event at Revue Cinema and managed to grab a photo op with Arlene. Christine described it as a “very enjoyable afternoon.”