Cherng Z Li

Cherng Z. Li November 11, 1939 – June 1, 2026 Cherng Z. (Carol) Li passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. Surrounded by loved ones, she left this world with the same grace and strength that characterized her life. Born Chiu Cherng Zy (邱澄枝) on November 11, 1939, in Pingtung County, Taiwan, Cherng was the second of seven children in a prominent Hakka family. She graduated from Pingtung Teachers’ College in 1958 and began her career as an elementary school teacher where she took great pride in nurturing young students. She married Kou C. Li in 1960, and started a family while continuing to teach. In 1967, Cherng embarked on a remarkable journey when she brought her two young daughters to the United States to reunite with her husband, who had left two and a half years earlier to pursue graduate studies. Soon afterward, the family welcomed a son. Together, they built a life in St. Louis founded on hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to creating opportunities for their children. Cherng was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, whose love and protectiveness of her family knew no bounds. In the community, she will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and unwavering willingness to help those around her. Guided by her Christian faith, she served God through her involvement with the Taiwanese Presbyterian Church of St. Louis, where she served as an elder, sang in the choir and hosted bible studies. She was an exceptional cook, expressing her affection for others through food and hospitality, creating cherished memories for family and friends alike. She also had a lifelong love of singing and music, which brought her immense joy. Cherng was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 64 years, Kou C. Li (利國柱). She is survived by her children Janet, Alice, and Albert (Al); her sons-in-law Peter and Matthias; her five grandchildren Alanna, Sarah, Kaia, Lucas, and Sania; her sister Chiu Man-Chih (邱滿枝), her brothers Chiu Wen-Chieh (邱文傑) and Chiu Wen-Chun (邱文俊) and many extended family members in Taiwan and the United States. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. at the Taiwanese Presbyterian Church of Greater St. Louis, 542 Ries Road, Ballwin, Missouri 63021. In lieu of gifts, donations or flower arrangements may be directed to the church in her memory.

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Cherng Z Li

November 11, 1939 - June 1, 2026