Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Leeann Chin Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Lenora Thompson
February 3, 2018
It was my pleasure to meet Leeann Chin in 1980 at her restaurant in Downtown Minneapolis. I was just eight years old, but I remember her bright yellow blazer and her kindness. Her restaurants were so beautiful. Fine dining! There was hot oolong tea, fingerbowls, lovely classical music playing in the background and elegant jade (?) carvings of ships. What a wonderful experience for a child. And the food! Heaven on a plate. It's my aspiration to cook cuisine as delicious as the wonderful food Leeann Chin introduced to all of us. Her dishes are still my favorite food!
Teri Johns Reitemeier
April 3, 2010
I am saddened to hear of the passing of this remarkable woman. Back in the early '80's I invited Leeann to speak to my home economics class at Regina High School in south Minneapolis. She not only graciously accepted my invitation, but she brought all the groceries needed for the wonderful lunch she prepared for me and my students. She knew we were a small school with a limited budget. I'll never forget her kindness. Let her spirit live on in the lives she touched.
Joanne Osborn
March 28, 2010
Dear Laura and family,
I had the pleasure to work for you and your lovely mom for 5 years at Asia Grille.
In the short time that I got to know Leeann I learned so many of life's lessons. Along with the interesting cooking tips she always had,she taught me that each person is valuable and one can learn from everyone they meet.
Even in death, at the early age that life was taken from her, she is teaching me how short life is and to value each day given to us. I know Leeann lived her life to the fullest and we should do the same. I wish that each of us could be so lucky as to be able to say at such an early age that we have accomplished as much.She was an inspiration!
I wish that I could've been at the service,but since that was not to be,I wanted to send my sincerest condolences the entire Chin family and know that we will all miss Leeann but we all have beautiful memories of your lovely mother.
Best wishes,
Eleanor Ostman
March 28, 2010
Dear Laura --
I was in Europe when your dear mother died and just learned of her passing. I had hoped to get to the funeral, but my grandkids were left in my care Saturday. So I spend a few moments thinking about the kindnesses your mom sent my way, such as offering her famous Chinese appetizers for a huge party for volunteers at Union Depot when I was chairman of the St. Paul Cancer Crusade, or the party she arranged when my cookbook was published. She was always the most gracious, sweet, helpful person, but also a canny businessperson who delighted people daily with her recipes.
I lamented to a friend yesterday that I had to miss Leeann's services, and she told me of her aunt and uncle, who on a trip to Minnesota from their Illinois home, fell in love with Leeann Chin dining. A couple of years later, the uncle asked the aunt where she'd like to go to celebrate an anniversary. "Leeann Chin's" she said, so they got into their car and drove 400 miles to honor the occasion with Lemon Chicken.
They were not alone in their devotion. My own son chose to have Leeann Chin fare whenever dinner wasn't forthcoming at our Crocus Hill house (fortunately, there was an LC store nearby). And when I worked at the Pioneer Press, I had LC for lunch at least weekly, stopping at the St. Paul Skyway branch.
I think of her calm beauty and her people skills often, and I am so sorry that I will not see her again on this side of the divide.
Fond best wishes and sympathies,
Eleanor Ostman Aune, St. Paul
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Peg Kaplan
March 28, 2010
Over thirty five years ago, my dear friend Bonnie came to me with a request. Battling cancer, she wanted to go to the local high school to take cooking classes with a lady named Leeann Chin. "It will take my mind off of being so sick."
I acquiesced. Once a week, we watched, transfixed, as this petite lady with amazing hands turned ordinary veggies and meats into fabulous dishes. Bonnie and I both had a wonderful night once a week with Leeann.
When Bonnie became a food editor at the Star Tribune, Leeann invited us to her home to dine. Of course, ultimately Bonnie covered the immense success of our teacher.
In addition to being an incredible cook and teacher, Leeann was one of the smartest, most determined and creative people I have ever met.
My condolences to all of Leeann's family. May your memories of this jewel of a lady bring you comfort.
Marsha Unthank
March 27, 2010
Dear Laura and Family,
I was so sorry to learn of your mother's death. I need to tell you how influential Leeann has been on my life and work.
I mentor others now and when asked who was most influential to me, I talk of Leeann. She was a beautiful and giving person. She was committed to her dream and demonstrated that commitment through her incredible work ethic. This engaged others to be a part of her dream.
She was a maverick for her time and talking to her made me believe I could accomplish whatever I set out to do. I think the most important lesson I learned from your mother was treating everyone with dignity, as equal and while we have have a role, work as a team.
She was so graceful in her beautiful silk dresses and pearls. Yet, if a table needed to be cleaned or a dish prepared she was there. Her "roll up your sleeves" attitude has been the approach I have practiced and has contributed to my success.
With warmest memories,
Marsha Tayler Unthank
March 26, 2010
Lee and I are deeply saddended by the passing of Leeann. Our deepest condolences are with her children and her family.
Tom and Lee Linhares
jim Brown
March 25, 2010
Dear Family,The Brown family was indeed saddened to hear of you mothers passing!We were dear friends for the span of her meteoric rise in the twin cities business community.She will be dearly missed.Helen and Jim Brown
Mae Wong - Spraker
March 24, 2010
Dear Laura and family,
I am so saddened to hear of your mother's passing. I know our families have grown apart after all these years, but happy memories of your mother are still very vivid in my mind. She was a great inspiration and role model for many of us.
God's peace to you and your family.
March 22, 2010
Dear Laura and family,
Ivars and I wish to extend our deepest sypathy to you and yours during this difficult time of loss. We will be thinking about you in the days ahead and will be holding you in our hearts and prayers. We are sorry to miss the memorial service, as we are in Florida until the end of April.
Ivars and Gloria Kauls
Estero, Florida
Lois Lee
March 22, 2010
With great sadness, I read of Leeann's passing and want to extend my deepest sympathy. I loved our association, teaching classes at Cinnamon Toast, and the good visits we enjoyed over the years. She will be missed!
Lois Lee
Kristine Barstow
March 22, 2010
Linda, Laura, Katie, Jean and Bill..
I and my Family will miss Leeann so much. Linda, I remember when you arrived in Minneapolis and when Laura, Jean, Katie and Bill were born. The strength of your Mother has impacted all our lives. I will miss her especially as a Friend and also as an Icon to woman. Her mark on the journey of my life will never be forgotten. The Barstow Family, will think of you all with Love and our hearts are sad at your loss..
sharen Whiterabbit
March 22, 2010
I will miss your cooking
Carstens Smith
March 21, 2010
To Leann's Family,
Your mother was a wonderful and generous person. I am so sorry for your loss. Fifteen years ago, I asked Mrs. Chin to speak to my students at Hamline University. I didn't think she would respond, but she did. She spent an afternoon with my class, talking to them and inspiring all of us. I still hear from some of those students and invariably they say, "Do you remember when Leeann Chin came to our class?" It was such a kind act and one that meant a great deal to all of us.
Jane Harris
March 21, 2010
To Leann's Family:
My heart goes out to you all as you deal with the loss of your beloved mother. My thoughts are with you as you all deal with the loss and embrace her memory.
I have many fond memories of Leeann and benefited from her many gifts. To this day, I make Chinese food using her recipes
My last memory of Leeann was meeting with her and Laura as my mom, sister and I planned a trip to Hong Kong. Again, she found the time to help us out and answer all our questions.
My thoughts are with you all.
Courage Center
March 21, 2010
On behalf of the staff at Courage Center, please accept our condolences on the loss of Leeann. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Deborah Morse-Kahn
March 21, 2010
Our heartfelt condolences to Linda on the loss of her mother. We hope the days to come be of comfort and healing.
Deborah Morse-Kahn (Debbie Kahn)
for the Washburn Class of '70
Patty McCartin
March 21, 2010
I took several cooking classes with Leeann in the late 70s. She taught that vegetables and meat should be the same size in stir fries and that her photographer husband always wanted the food to look beautiful. I recall her saying that her mother taught her to buy things of lasting value,and that her mother sold gold bracelets to escape communist China. Leeann was a gentle woman and a great teacher. I still use her original cookbook whenever I make Chinese food. I wish I could find a restaurant that served food as good as Leeann Chin's. So far I have not found one.
Stephen Zheng
March 21, 2010
To Laura & Family,
Please accept our deepest sympathies for your loss. Your mom was a remarkable and exemplary woman. She will be dearly missed.
Much Love,
Stephen Zheng & Family
Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results
Minneapolis, MN
Make a Donation
in Leeann Chin's name
How to support Leeann's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Leeann Chin's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
