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Kai-Chih “Katie” Chang
08/16/1937 — 02/20/2024
From Richland, WA | Born in China
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Kai-Chih “Katie” Chang
Kai-chih “Katie” Chang of Richland, WA passed away peacefully surrounded by family on February 20, 2024 at the age of 86.
Katie was born in Ting-Hai near Shanghai, China and eldest of five siblings. Her family moved to Taipei when she was in elementary school, 1948. Katie graduated from Taipei Science and Engineering College. She was the first in her family to immigrate to the US in 1961 and earned her Masters degree in Chemical Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ.
She stayed on the East Coast working for Shearing Pharmaceutical developing new drugs.
Katie and her college sweetheart, Shih-chih were separated to pursue advanced degrees, but miraculously in 1968, were reunited and married in Atlanta, GA. They went on to have two children, and 1978 settled in Richland, WA. Both Katie and Shih-chih were engineers and worked at Hanford for decades.
Not only was Katie an accomplished chemist and engineer, but she also loved to paint, draw, write poetry, and garden. She was passionate about art, food and nutrition. Katie was a highly independent person who had a terrific curiosity of the world around her. Katie is remembered as an encouraging kind-hearted person who enjoyed travel, music, dancing, and animals. She cherished her family, community, friends and was active in her local Church.
Katie is survived by her children, Eric Chang, Polly Colby, grandchild, Lily Colby of Bellevue, and three siblings of Los Angeles, Ken Wang, Jeanie Wang, and Kevin Wang. Katie was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Shih-Chih Chang, and her brother David Wang. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
Celebration of life will be held at Einan’s at Sunset, 915 By Pass Hwy, Richland, Wa 99352 on Friday, April 19, 2024 at 2pm followed by graveside burial at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to either:
Tri-Cities Chinese Alliance Church, 2004 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99354
Benton-Franklin Humane Society, www.bfhs.com
Before I became Katie’s family doctor, I knew her mostly from brief interactions at church, and words of others closer to her — very pious lady with much inner strength despite declining health. When I got to know her as her physician, at the time when she was much more weakened because of the lung cancer that the medicine is failing to control, her inner person didn’t change a bit. Still smiling despite the poor prognosis, still more considerate of others despite her own needs, and still trying to stay away from pain medicine that may cloud her mind. All these, not as any facade to deny reality, but as a believer firmly rooted in a greater reality — her soul has been redeemed by Christ, and will be forever securely with Christ regardless how the journey on earth would end.
Will see you in heaven.
Truly awesome lady who gave me only fond memories. Great motherly figure when we were little rascals. Sincere condolences to her family.
Auntie Wang was a true-hearted Christian. Her steadfast faith in Christ Jesus was very evident. She was known for her sweet smile and joyous life. When we heard that she was diagnosed with cancer about two years ago, we visited her quite a few times trying to bring comfort to her. But she gave us encouragement instead. She was not afraid of fighting cancer or facing death, not at all. She told me boldly that she had been ready to be taken back to the heavenly home.
The people of Tri-Cities Chinese Alliance Church, Richland will miss Auntie Wang dearly. See you in heaven, Auntie Wang.
Katie was a great old friend, and neighbor. She was open, smart, innovative and sensitive person She was always like an older sister giving wise option and idea.
Miss her as a friend, old sister and lunch buddy. She will always in our heart.
We will always remember Katie’s smiles and many talents. She succeeded in whichever tasks she took her, and enjoyed the challenges. She is missed dearly.
We will miss you Auntie Katie. You always carried yourself with such grace. I’m glad we were able to spend some time with you last summer and that you were able to meet my daughter. With love,
Guestbook for
Kai-Chih “Katie” Chang