Ayn Hsu

Ayn Hsu was born Anne Cecelia Spitzfaden September 5, 1946 in St. Louis, Missouri. She led a rich and unique life, as evidenced by her transforming name. From "Anne" to "Ayn" based on a psychic's premonition; from "Cecelia" to "Johnson" in memory of a beloved great aunt; and from "Spitzfaden" to "Hsu" upon her wedding in 1970s Taipei. She lived many places, including New York, New York, Alameda, California, Tempe, Arizona, and finally Essington, Pennsylvania, where she passed away in her home on January 19, 2025. Her children remember her as a devoted mother and grandmother, as a career pre-school teacher and caregiver, as an advocate for women's and children's rights and as a fierce friend. There are also clues to roles and adventures beyond that, including: memories of her rushing to Oakland's Chinatown to assist with at-home childbirths; stories of riding (and crashing) a Harley Softail; memories of her time as a prison guard; and even a surprising discovery after her passing-a photo identifying her as "Miss Tall Colorado."

Ayn loved to share laughter, ethnic food and of what little she had in the way of money and material possessions. Somehow, she always found a way to make ends meet and to make holidays and special occasions magical for her children and grandchildren. Even when there was no money to spare, she would conjure a needed item: a graphing calculator, a replacement for a stolen bicycle, a suit for a scholarship interview. She did this through a lifetime of hard work, which was often underpaying and underappreciated. For most of her life, Ayn worked long days and slept little. In recent years, she devoted any and all available time and energy to sharing her love, encouragement, and wisdom with her grandchildren, children, and anyone else she met who had a need. She was unfailingly generous with her affection and asked little. We hope she finds rest and comfort now.

She is survived by survived by her sons Jeremy (Stephanie) and Josh (Lauren), her grandchildren Steven, David, Eleanor, Andrew, and Eliza; her sister Joan, and Jan--her long-time friend of over 40 years. There will be no formal memorial per her wishes. To honor Ayn's memory, she would have appreciated people making a favorite meal, playing a favorite game, or donating to a charity of their choice.