Jane Chi

Jane Chi, 84, passed away peacefully in Lenawee Medical Care Facility on January 14, 2013, after a prolonged struggle with Parkinson’s disease. Born in Beijing, China, Jane received her secondary education in St. Joseph’s Middle School in Qingdao, and a B.A. in history of English literature in Aurora University in Shanghai. In 1952 she started her English teaching career with high schools in the city of Wuxi and later Qingdao. Over the years, the countless students she taught ended up in every corner of the world. In 1979 she came to the U.S. to pursue a Master’s degree with an extended full scholarship that was granted to her sister Margaret some 30 years earlier from then Siena Heights College. It was only at Siena Heights did Jane have a chance to explore and unleash her remarkable talent as a fine artist especially in ceramic pottery. Jane graduated in 1982 with honors and continued her quest for ceramic artistry at Siena Heights University. Her pieces were inspiringly beautiful, often with an Eastern accent reflecting her origin, passion and philosophy. Though never commercially available, many were privately sold to her close friends or given away as gifts. Last year she donated two teapots to Siena Heights University library where they will be on permanent display. Jane became an American citizen in 1992. In her later years, she befriended so many persons in the Adrian Senior Center and enjoyed all the activities there. Despite her illness, she could not be slowed down when at the ping-pong table or at the shuffleboard. She retained the unsung title of ping-pong champion, only occasionally was she bested by her sister Margaret. Jane never married, and neither did her sister Margaret. They lived together nearly in their entire lives. She is survived by Margaret, a brother Daniel who lives in China, and two nephews Jacob in Colorado and Maurice in Massachusetts. A Funeral Mass for Jane will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, January 18, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Adrian with Father Tom Wasilewski as celebrant. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday, January 17, from 6 to 8 p.m. with Vigil service at 7 p.m. at Wagley Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lenawee Department on Aging. Condolences are welcome at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com. .

Jane Chi

October 11, 1929 - January 14, 2013