In Memory of Jie Meng: Unexpected Death of A Beloved Husband

My beloved husband, with whom I've shared 27 years of life, unexpectedly passed away on Sunday, December 8th, due to a massive stroke. It happened so suddenly and tragically that I still can't believe it's real. He was always so healthy, strong, and loyal. In my heart, he was someone who could live forever, and I can't fathom a life without him. But now, I understand that our Creator called him home because he had completed his journey on Earth and passed his tests. It's time for him to return to his eternal home in heaven.

Jie was born in 1970, a fellow Gen Xer. Although we grew up in different parts of China, we felt like childhood sweethearts destined to be together. As only children who preferred quiet solitude, we were both introverted and avoided social drama. Sharing a common desire to escape the constraints of China and embrace the opportunities of America, we both realized our dreams in this free and vibrant country.

He had two sets of parents. His aunt, a victim of Communist persecution, was unable to bear children. His biological mother, who was also her younger sister, allowed her to adopt and raise one of her sons, Jie.

Despite being adoptive parents, they loved Jie deeply, and he, in turn, excelled, easily gaining admission to a top university, and eventually pursuing a graduate degree in the United States. The photo above was taken in front of our apartment in Beijing in 1997, just before he came to America. We were young, full of ambition, and eager to make our mark on this world. Together, we enrolled in the Electrical Engineering department at Vanderbilt University. After graduation, he continued in his field while I, with his support, joined a non-profit media organization, using my writing to expose the truth about the Chinese Communist regime to overseas Chinese. He was not only my emotional support but also my financial backbone. Without him, I would not be where I am today.

He had a kind and gentle soul, so much so that he even disliked picking flowers. At home, he always brought joy with his natural and witty humor. Whenever I felt down, he could always lift my spirits with a funny joke. He never spoke ill of others and was always willing to help those in need. In our Chinese community, many new immigrants, especially elderly people (including my mother), needed transportation as they didn't speak English or drive. Jie was always happy to help, without expecting anything in return. His kindness earned him the trust and gratitude of many, and these older individuals often treated him like a son.

He devoted all his free time to volunteering, particularly promoting Shen Yun, a stunning dance show highlighting traditional Chinese culture. He tirelessly puts up posters every weekend, seeking only to preserve authentic Chinese culture free from communist influence.

Jie was dedicated, diligent, and thoughtful, both in his work and in his relationships. Though he rarely sought the spotlight, he was always a strong support behind the scenes. He was a humble yet brilliant soul and truly my soulmate.

I've created this page to help cover funeral expenses, so if you would like to contribute, please do so and I am so grateful for your kindness in doing so. More importantly, I wanted to share his story with his colleagues and the world. I know the people closest to him are heartbroken by his sudden passing. I dedicate this to the memory of Jie Meng, my beloved husband, a good son, a great colleague, and an ordinary yet extraordinary person.

Understanding that Jie was a private person, I decided to hold his funeral outdoors at Rose Hills Cemetery at 9:45 AM on December 23rd. I'll be waiting at the front gate flower shop, and we can all drive together to the burial plot. Please come and say goodbye to Jie if you can. If you cannot attend, you can send flowers. Please have the florist deliver the flowers to Ridgeview Terrace Lot 2717-2 on December 23rd at 9:30 AM.

Here is the address of the cemetery:

Rose Hills Memorial Park

3888 Workman Mill Rd, Whittier, CA 90601

Link to the Obituary with more information

Sincerely,

Yaning Liu (Wife)