Annie Chen

In Loving Memory of Annie Chen
August 22, 1927 – December 29, 2025
Chinese version here: https://bit.ly/4qy8xdk
Annie Chen passed away peacefully on Monday, December 29, 2025, at the age of 98, surrounded by the love of her family. She lived a long, full life marked by kindness, optimism, happiness, and a deep appreciation for the everyday joys of living.
Born in Philadelphia on August 22, 1927, Annie's life spanned nearly a century of change. Through it all, she remained steady, practical, and deeply devoted to her family. She believed in making the most of what she had, valuing thrift not out of scarcity, but out of wisdom. She loved a good bargain, reused everything that could possibly be reused, and took comfort in small, familiar routines. These habits were not just practical-they were expressions of care, intention, and gratitude.
Annie had a gentle but independent spirit. She knew her own mind and lived life on her own terms. She was forgiving towards others and towards herself, and met challenges with remarkable calm. Even through years of serious health challenges, she continued to love life-enjoying meals out, watching her favorite television shows, playing games, listening to music, and savoring simple pleasures.
Annie was known for her kindness and her instinct to help others. She gave generously of her time and attention, always ready to listen, to offer support, or to lend a quiet helping hand. Whether with family, friends, piano students, neighbors, or those who cared for her later in life, she met people with warmth, patience, and compassion. Helping others was not something she spoke about-it was simply how she lived.
Music was an important part of her life. She was a piano teacher and had a lifelong appreciation for learning and the arts. She took pride in how she dressed, favoring bright colors and thoughtful details. She was affectionate in her own quiet way-offering small gestures of love that spoke volumes.
Above all, Annie was family-centered, loving her family and sharing life together since the beginning of their journey in America. Her relationship with her family was one of mutual devotion, companionship, and deep understanding-filled with shared meals, music, laughter, dancing, and time simply spent together. Annie's presence helped bring her family closer, giving them someone to love, something to do together, and always something to look forward to.
She is survived by her loving family, who cared for her with dedication and tenderness. Their lives were shaped by her strength, her humor, and her presence. Her legacy lives on in the values she passed down-patience, resourcefulness, resilience, and love.
Though her absence is deeply felt, Annie leaves behind in the hearts of her family a profound sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the years shared, the memories made, and the love that continues beyond her lifetime. She will always remain in the hearts of those who knew her.
The Visitation will take place on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 11am-1pm at Costello-Runyon Funeral Home, 568 Middlesex Ave., Metuchen.
We will gather outside the funeral home at on Friday, January 9, 2026, 12:15pm and process to Hillside Cemetery, Scotch Plains, where the interment will take place.