Li-Hong Xu
1957-2019
Li-Hong Xu passed away peacefully in the presence of her
family on Monday, January 21, 2019, at the Saint John Regional
Hospital, after a brave battle with cancer. She is the
beloved wife of Ronald Lees, loving mother of Miranda and Alex
(Erica), and proud grandma of Joshua. She is also loved by her older
sister Xiaohong, nephew Weiwei, cousins Jin, Jian and Auntie Feng, and
by her extended family – Irene Vavasour (Jeff), Tom Lees
(Heather), sister-in-law Irene (Ron), Elaine (Waheed), Lee (Eugenia)
and late grandmother
Dora.
Li-Hong was born on May 2, 1957 in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province,
People’s Republic of China. She was known to be a diligent
student starting early on in her schooling despite the chaos of the
Cultural Revolution. After the Cultural Revolution, she
relied on countless hours of self-studying to succeed in the National
University Entrance Exam, and entered the undergraduate physics
program at Suzhou University. She graduated with
highest honours, and was one of the two students chosen out of 240
graduates to be appointed as an assistant professor at her alma
mater.
In 1988, she earned the opportunity to come to the University
of New Brunswick in Fredericton to pursue postgraduate studies in
physics. She obtained her Ph.D. in 1992, and was then invited to
pursue postdoctoral work at the National Institute of Standards and
Technology in Washington, DC. In 1994, Professor Xu joined the Physics
Department at UNBSJ, and had an outstanding career as a teacher and
researcher. She received the faculty award for excellence in teaching
in 2015, and a President’s Distinguished Service Award in
2017. Her research in molecular spectroscopy was highly respected
internationally and she was invited to present plenary lectures at
both of the major conferences in her field in Europe and the US, a
remarkable achievement. Her abilities were also recognized by NSERC,
the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. She
chaired the Grant Selection Committee in General Physics for two
years, and was appointed as the Group Chair for Physics from
2013-2016, overseeing the granting programs for the entire Canadian
physics community!
One of Li-Hong’s special interest was supporting
women in physics. In the Canadian Association of Physicists she
chaired CEWIP, the Committee to Encourage Women in Physics, and was a
member of the CAP delegations to international Women in Physics
conferences in Korea and South Africa. Locally, she organized
workshops for girls at the public library and outreach trips to local
schools, served as a judge in science fairs, and participated in
activities of CAGIS, the Canadian Association for Girls in
Science.
Li-Hong was also very active within the Saint John community,
serving as President of the Chinese Cultural Association of Saint
John, founder and Director of the Asian Heritage Society NB Saint John
Chapter, and member of the Saint John Community Arts Board and the
Imperial Theatre Board. She loved music and performed on violin with
the school district Senior String Orchestra, the Altomare community
orchestra, and the Ceol ceilidh band. She also served as coordinator
of the Music program of the Lorenzo Society arranging concerts at
UNBSJ, sang with the DalMed/UNB Heartbeat choir, danced with the
Jasmine Chinese ladies’ dance group, and taught tai-chi at
The Studio. In 2009, she received a Cultural Infusion Award from
Uptown Saint John, followed by a Cheers to Volunteers 2016 Award in
Community Development and a Cultural Diversity Champion Award from
PRUDE Inc. in 2017, recognizing her many contributions to developing
strong community life in Saint John.
Li-Hong’s life was characterized by her resilience in
scientific pursuit of excellence, dedication to a broad range of
community involvements, and most importantly, the selfless loving care
of her family and friends. Special thanks are
extended to the family and friends that supported our family during
this difficult journey, and to the healthcare angels for their loving
care.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of
Brenan’s Bay View Funeral Home,
1461 Manawagonish Road, Saint John (634-7425). Visitation will be held
from 6:00 – 8:00 pm on Friday, February 15, followed by a
Celebration of Life on Saturday, February 16, at 2:00
pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Li-Hong may be
made to the University of N.B. (Scholarships Saint John Campus project
2010U02) or to the Oncology unit and/or Palliative Care unit c/o the
Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation.
www.BrenansFH.com
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Li-Hong Xu 19572019..
Décès pour la Ville: Kennebecasis-Valley, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick