The Queen’s community is remembering Bethany Qun Yi Yan, who died suddenly on Sunday, Jan. 26.

Bethany started at Queen’s University in 2015. She was a fourth-year Concurrent Education student and was pursuing French and History in the Faculty of Arts and Science.

Bethany was a member of the award-winning varsity cheerleading team for four years. Her teammates describe “Boat” as a treasured member of the Queen’s Cheerleading family who brought joy to everyone she met. She will be dearly missed by her teammates and the entire cheerleading community.

Bethany’s passion for education was evident to those who knew her, especially her Con-Ed family. She was an enthusiastic teacher candidate and a valuable member of the Con-Ed community. Bethany will be remembered for her love for teaching and desire to make a difference in students’ lives.

Flags on campus will be lowered on Thursday, Jan. 30 in memory of Bethany.

Students in need of support are encouraged to contact the multi-faith chaplain or the other support services available on campus, including Empower Me, and Good2Talk. Faculty and staff in need of support can also access the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), provided by Homewood Health, by visiting the Queen’s Human Resources website. For 24-hour EFAP services call 1-800-663-1142 (English) or 1-866-398-9505 (French).

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To remember Bethany's love for cheerleading and education, the Bethany Qun Yi Yan Memorial fund has been established to financially assist those who dream to become educators and who have a passion for teamwork and cheerleading. Contributions may be made in her memory, through the Queen’s University’s Bethany Qun Yi Yan Memorial Fund. Make your cheque payable to Queen’s University with the Bethany Qun Yi Yan Memorial Fund listed on the memo line. If you’d like Queen’s to notify Bethany’s family of your gift, please include the following note: “notify the family”. Send to Queen’s University, Attn: Gage Benyon, Old Medical Building Room 303, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6. Or visit www.givetoqueens.ca/BethanyYan.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Mount Pleasant Cemetry, Cremation and Funeral Centres, in Toronto (375 Mount Pleasant Rd.) on Saturday, Feb. 1. The gathering will start at 4 pm in the chapel with words of remembrance starting at 5 pm. A reception will be held at 6 pm to 8 pm. 

Read Bethany’s obituary online.