Ming Tchou, CHF’s beloved founder and president, passed away peacefully on Nov. 1, 2024, just a few months after celebrating her centennial birthday.  Six months later, when the biting winds and frosty temperatures of a MN winter have given way to balmy breezes and riotous spring blooms, CHF gathered our community together, at The Marsh in Minnetonka, to honor and celebrate her extraordinary life with music, words and tradition.

Pairing the profound Buddhist Sutras with the intensely personal music of Franz Schubert (Piano Sonata in Bb, D960 and Ave Maria), and together with family members who had traveled from all over the world to join us, CHF wove together the life story of a courageous woman from a cultured family in Guangzhou, China, through her years of living under the Japanese Occupation of China, followed by an adventurous peripatetic life with her young husband, Dr. James Tchou, through Vietnam, Paris and finally the United States.  Thwarted from returning to China, she watched from afar as her family there struggled through the Cultural Revolution, even as she wrought a successful business career and volunteerism in both the Chinese community and the greater Twin Cities.  Carrying the bearing of a first born in her generation in an extended traditional Chinese household, she watched out for everyone around her, always offering support and extending a helping hand without reservation. 

To this demanding life Ming added the crucial spices of fun and joy.  The result was a life well lived and well loved.  In between eulogies and accompanied by the evocative music of Leoš Janáček (On an Overgrown Path), family members and community leaders lit candles and incense in her memory. Tributes, from both composer Bright Sheng who kept her words close to his heart as he composed Dream of the Red Chamber, and musicians Zhengang Xie and Mei Hu who celebrated her as the plum blossom, symbol of loftiness and resilience in Peking opera, expressed the deep admiration and love our community held for her.

Following this remembrance service, everyone was treated to a delicious luncheon, meticulously curated by Yin Simpson. As everyone was leaving, they each received one last blessing from Ming: a piece of sweet candy to temper their sorrow at her passing and a gold coin to wish them prosperity and good fortune.

Remembrances from Our Community

A great loss!  Ming will be remembered as a venerable immortal. I marvel at her remarkable long life and her numerous contributions to the Chinese community. I share your sense of loss without this remarkable elder who has been a model for so many of us. I feel so privileged to have known her for many years, and remember her presence vividly at our banquets and celebrations, sitting near or next to her at the table. 奠 — with a deep bow.  – Al

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We were fortunate to have known her.  – Ann

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What a legacy Ming has left.  Such a privilege to have known her and dined with her on so many occasions. What a beautiful Sunday to celebrate her life, a warm and radiant day as radiant and as warm as she was-her lasting imprints on my mind. – Wyn

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Such a noble lady!  – Anonymous

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Thank you for such a beautiful event to celebrate Ming!  – Ben

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The first time I saw Ming I remember noticing this elegant lady sitting across the room — she had such a graceful and striking presence

Over time I came to learn more about Ming — her vision, her strength, and the incredible courage it took to start the Foundation in her 80s. It’s inspiring to think about how she not only dreamed of sharing Chinese culture with Minnesota, but also of creating an exchange — a bridge between cultures that enriched both communities and touched so many lives.

Her spirit, her legacy, and the lives she touched continue to inspire all of us who have had the privilege to be connected to the Foundation she created. – Karen

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Such a noble lady!  – Anonymous

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Ever since I first met Dr. and Mrs. Tchou, they treated me like their own daughter. I got to know all their friends, young and old. 

In 1969, Ming led the initiative to involves the Chinese community in the annual Minneapolis Aquatennial Festival. David Fong Was instrumental in the creation of a Chinese Gate for the parade. It was very successful and was broadcast on TV.  She also organized two Chinese New Year celebrations at the U of M Auditorium, featuring dance, a fashion show, and a beauty contest.

Ming also introduced Samuel to me 55 years ago and saw to it that he would become my husband! At our subsequent wedding she and Dr. Tchou represented my parents who could not attend. We have been very grateful for their love and care for us all these years. 

In her last years I had the privilege of cooking for Ming once a week. Ming was still enjoying what I cooked for her, up until a few days before she left us. What a wonderful memory!

Ming and Dr. Tchou contributed a lot to our communities and humanity. They had set good examples for us to follow. We will always remember them in our hearts and in our prayers. – Virginia

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She was a very true family friend. – Briana, Matt, Ian & Owen

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Every time I go into our office in Johnston Hall I walk past the giant portrait of You, Ming and a former CHF Fellow that was taken at Ming’s apartment.  I am reminded of the similarly giant legacy that Ming has left, not only on the UMN campus but across the broader community.  I feel blessed to have known her. – Clayton

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A haiku for Ming:  – Caroline

Wise, elegant Ming,

Share, rejoice, a life with zest,

Century well-lived.

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She was a good friend and made so many lasting contributions to our community.  Her presence will be sorely missed – Linda

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have known Ming for about 15 years and witnessed firsthand what an elegant and caring person she is. She was always quick-witted, and I know she enjoyed her time spent with the Chinese Heritage Foundation Friends group and all the “Passage To China” events that we did together. We met through the CHFF group but spent quality time together discussing current events and my recent travels to Shanghai and the surrounding areas over tea and cookies. She was always quick to share her thoughts about the Chinese community both here and in China. 

What a beautiful person she is, and I will never forget the lasting impact Ming has made in my life and her legacy will continue in my heart forever. – Ben

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Ming, thank you for embracing me!  – Cor-Henk

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We feel a sense of profound loss hearing about the passing of CHF President Ming Li Tchou! At the same time, we have also been deeply touched by her 100 years of colorful and productive life stories spanning important events of modern Chinese and world history. Her vision, courage, determination and generosity have left a trail of indelible positive marks throughout her peripatetic life, especially in her final hometown of the Twin Cities. From establishing CHF supporting the sharing of the splendor of her Chinese heritage to realizing her dream to commission the Chinese classic literature jewel “Dream of the Red Chamber” to a new western opera, Ming Li Tchou’s motto of “We should learn how to share ideas with each other, and to do that often” should indeed be the motto of the world for the betterment of humanity. Please send our deepest sympathy to all those who, like us, have become her extended family members. – With love and utmost respect, Zongyu John Chen, MD PhD,Qing Jean Yao, PhD

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Ming was truly a great woman. We have wonderful memories of her and we will miss her. – Erik & Jennifer

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I have known Ming since I was 11 years old.  She and Dr. Tchou were part of our Johnston family.  We did so many things together over the years.  I remember going to place Dr. Tchou’s ashes into the Mississippi River with Ming and my sister Lynne.  – Fran

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Ming Tchou was a pillar in the Chinese-American community here and throughout the nation.  She was a champion of many organizations including USCPFA-MN, and she will be greatly missed. May she rest in peace. – Glynis

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Ming will be remembered for her grace and generosity of spirit.  If a life is measured in good deeds, then her cup runneth over. I pictured Ming as a presence at garden ribbon-cuttings and so many community gatherings. Thank you for bringing us together to honor such a remarkable life.  – Jill

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I still remembered her 80th birthday celebration party twenty years ago. She was an amazing person. Her values, unparalleled contributions and legacy to the Great Twin Cities live on.  She will be remembered in my heart. – Hong

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Ming was an amazing and precious elder. Her whole presence had a beautiful glow.  I am grateful to have known her. I am sorry for this big loss to the community.  – Joanna

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Auntie Ming wasn’t simply my aunt.  Fundamentally, she was my adviser who enriched my life with unconditional love and wisdom. Throughout her life, she demonstrated that being an aunt wasn’t merely about family obligation – rather, it was about creating a special bond that bridged generations.  Auntie Ming was my family’s North Star, always there to guide me with wisdom and love.  She taught me invaluable life lessons: how to stand up for myself.  You were one of a kind.  You made me laugh, you made me think, and above all, you made me feel loved.  I hope you’re up there now, cocktail in hand, regaling the angels with your stories.  – Katy

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Ming was a special woman who had touched so many lives.  Her intelligence, kindness and accomplishments will never be forgotten.  – Lian

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I will always remember hanging out with Ming every Saturday morning and walking with her to the bakery to get a chocolate donut.  – Liang

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Such a beacon and captain in the Chinese community’s journey to recognition and understanding! – Romi

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She was a good friend and made so many lasting contributions to our community.  Her presence will be sorely missed – Anonymous

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Ming was such a kind and generous person with a smile for everyone.  She was a long-time friend and I admired her deeply.  She is so very missed.  – Linda

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My family’s connection with Ming started back in 1964. My mom was in the hospital giving birth to my little sister, she was diagnosed with jaundice after birth, somehow Ming was working at that hospital and she helped my parents translate everything and got the blood transfusion that my sister needed. To my family Ming was the angel sent by God because none of us understood English very well at the time, since we were fresh off the plane from Hong Kong in 1963.  When my parents opened a small cafe in Richfield in 1968, Dr. Tchou and Ming were often there with their friends on Sunday having dim sum. I don’t remember the countless times that I waited on their table. Our friendship continued till her death.  She will always be remembered as our little angel in our hearts and we all miss her greatly. – Linda

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Thank you to Ming for the opportunity to allow my wife Ada to assist her during her final years.  My wife enjoyed being with her during those moments of taking care of her at Gramercy and The Waters apartments.  Ming was a very special person for the Paul and Grace Wong family.  She mentored my mother Grace in many aspects of life and helped her be successful in family, cultural activities, and business affairs.  Ming allowed me to introduce myself and the Kungfu and Lion Dance group into the local Chinese events by participating in Chinese Heritage Foundation events.  Thank you Ming and CHF.  – Mark

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After Ming moved to the Waters I visited her and I saw taped to the wall near her telephone a list of names and numbers.  I recognized the names of her closest friends but I was surprised to see my name.  She and I had never spoken on the phone, but she had written next to my name ‘peony lady’. That made me smile, because Ming had visited my garden when all my peonies were in bloom.  – Mary

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Much love to you, Ming.  We miss you and thank you so much for your love and support.  – Mats

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Ming Li Tchou was a pioneering woman who in her own ways led a long life with grace, zest, style, and spacious wherewithal, and who gave us and our garden communities their command, generosity, and remarkable presence. Ming always gave us her commitment and enthusiasm, and carried community forward with insight, creativity, and warmth. – The Minnesota China Friendship Garden Society

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55 + years of personal friendship with Ming! We first met in 1973 when she came to the Hong Kong Chinese Student Bazaar at UMN and bought up our entire stock of arts and crafts items.  I wound up working at her Chinese imports store and had many opportunities to share our mutual interests in world civilization, Chinese culture, history and arts.  Our lives became more intertwined when Ming alerted us to a Chinese take-out restaurant for sale near her store.  Paul and I and two other partners bought the restaurant and, over the next twenty some years, provided many much-needed part-time jobs to UMN and local high school students.  Our biggest cheerleader was of course Ming, who never stopped referring customers to us! Ming continued to champion our ventures as I opened an art gallery specializing in Chinese contemporary art in downtown Minneapolis, and later on when Paul and I built a studio in the North Loop.  Over the decades her steadfast support deepened our commitment to build the bridge to mutual understanding between the Chinese and greater Minnesota cultures. When she founded the Chinese Heritage Foundation at her 80th birthday we in turn supported her initiative and the hard work of her dedicated committee members.  Recently we found out that Ming’s grandfather in Guangzhou, being the first western-trained attorney in town, worked with my grandfather when he first started his shipping company.  So our ties actually started three generations ago! Going over our close friendships through the decades, we have learned this: We all try to be a good person, a good friend, a good citizen, and a good world citizen! We’ll remember Ming from the way she led her wonderful and meaningful long life as a Twin Cities Chinese community leader, and a caring and loving personal friend!  – Pat

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This is what I would like to bring up: Dr Tchou was a quiet gentleman. He and Ming lived in a house in the middle of a big lot shaded with big trees, a peaceful home only with the two of them. However, time and time again they would host different groups of friends, from old to young, new arrivals to old immigrants, students and scholars. etc. They also enjoyed visiting local new restaurants or traveling overseas. A handsome young doctor and his attractive wife from the East, they would open up and widen conversations with friends they had made during their travels. They both took pride in and honored their cultural heritage.  They helped to stress the positive sides of their mother country with several thousand years of history, and were well respected by their many diverse groups of friends for their efforts.  This mission deepened in Ming, particularly after she lost her loving husband who had always encouraged her to carry the flag and lead the way to provide opportunities, in every possible way and to everywhere. Founding CHF was her way to extend their goal.  For her this was the most meaningful way to honor and remember this kind doctor.  – Paul

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Ming was ‘China’ in our imagination.  – Rob and Sibylle 

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I have admired Ming for years, and have fond memories of her visiting my home.  – Sandy

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Blessings to all of you and Peace to you, dear Ming!  – Scott

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Ming, a beloved former antique store owner and founder of the Chinese Heritage Foundation, passed away surrounded by caring friends.  Decades ago, she warmly welcomed our family when we first settled in Minneapolis, leaving a lasting impression with her kindness and grace. Though years passed between meetings, she always greeted us with the same warmth, as if no time had passed in between.  A pillar of the community, she remained active and generous even in her last days, supporting cultural preservation and cherishing her friendships. Despite her physical frailty, her spirit never wavered—she was a role model of resilience, generosity, and quiet strength.  She will be remembered for her elegance, her dedication to heritage, and the profound impact she had on those fortunate enough to have known her.  – SK

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In 1963, the Tchous invited my parents, my sister, and me to their home for a dinner gathering.  I was 13; my sister was 9.  My fondest memory of Ming is her concern (in the tradition of Chinese mothers and grandmothers) that my sister and I “ate sooo little!”  – Steve

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I did meet Ming once and liked her very much.  However, I learned a lot more about her through those she knew best and the impact she had.  Ming wrote her legacy every day of her life.  Her story is clearly etched in the hearts of her friends and lives on in the stories they share about her.  – Tim

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