We announce with profound sadness the passing of XiuQing Chi, a woman of extraordinary talent, grace, and resilience. XiuQing left us on May 20, 2023, in Parker, Colorado, after a brave battle with stomach cancer for two and half years. Born on April 23, 1953, in Datong City, Shanxi Province, China, XiuQing navigated a journey marked by courage, creativity, and a steadfast pursuit of life.

Growing up as the eldest child in a coal miner's family during the turbulence of China's Cultural Revolution, XiuQing developed an early sense of justice and a thirst for knowledge that would guide her throughout her life. These formative experiences inspired her to transcend the circumstances of her world, igniting an undying spirit of resilience and curiosity.

A strikingly beautiful woman, XiuQing started her professional journey as a ballet dancer, where she wowed audiences with her grace and talent. She then transitioned into acting, captivating audiences with her performances before moving on to her roles as a costume designer for a state-run Chinese movie producer, and as an editor at the Chinese Writers Association, Shanxi Chapter.

A lifelong learner, XiuQing furthered her education, obtaining a master's degree in Japanese Poetry from Josai International University, on scholarship. She found love and companionship with Norio Sakamoto after a decade as a single mother and independent researcher. They married in 2006 and chose Colorado for their tranquil and cherished retirement.

XiuQing was a remarkable cook, a gracious hostess, and an enthusiastic learner. Her home in Parker became a warm haven of celebration and joy. Fluent in Japanese and Mandarin, she reveled in sharing her love of language and culture with her classmates and teachers she met in English as a Foreign Language studying groups.

Family was the heart of XiuQing's world. She cherished her children, Ruby Duan Kamm and Chengxin Duan, and adored her grandchildren, Diane Maxine Kamm and Erwei Duan. Growing up in hardship and trying to offer every opportunity to the next generation to explore their potential, her unwavering warrior spirit was a source of inspiration for her children, enabling them to navigate life's challenges with resilience. She held immense respect for her son-in-law, John Cyril Kamm who gave her daughter, Ruby, a loving home and solid marriage, and she felt profound gratitude and admiration for John's mother, Diane Carol Kamm, whose dedication as a loving wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and accomplished businesswoman was bottomless.

XiuQing was preceded in death by her first husband, Xiping Duan, a notable lawyer in China devoted to privatizing state-owned businesses and reforming China's legal system by implementing dual processes and improving individual liberty and human rights conditions for rural migrants working and living in the Chinese urban areas. After XiuQing moved on from Xiping's unsolved murder and family tragedy ten years later, her second husband, Norio Sakamoto, a retired businessman, was her pillar of strength, offering unconditional love and support.

In the last phase of her life, XiuQing found solace in her newfound faith. Guided lovingly by her daughter Ruby, she embraced and surrendered her soul to Jesus Christ on Mother's Day, May 14, 2023, finding comfort and peace. She passed away surrounded by Ruby and Norio, their love her ultimate comfort. A private service will be held in accordance with XiuQing's wishes on May 26, 2023, attended by her closest family members.
XiuQing Chi was a beacon of resilience, creativity, and love, her life an enduring testament to the power of faith, the pursuit of knowledge, and the beauty of artistic expression. Her spirit will continue to inspire, and she will be dearly missed.