Hongping Xaing

DURHAM: Hongping Xiang, 76, passed away on Thursday, May 4, 2023 at her home in Durham. She was born in China, the daughter of the late Changfen Zhu and Chunyuan Xiang. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Xiang was predeceased by her beloved husband of 52 years, Mancai Zhu; and brother, Hongli Xiang.
Hongping's life was full of joy, inspiration, and adventure. She looked at this world with curiosity and creativity.
She was a well-respected English professor in China with many published books in English writing and continued to work at multiple universities across different regions of China after retirement. In 2012, she moved to the US to be closer to her only daughter and explored everything with an adventurous open mind including teaching Chinese to all ages. Her final career was in early childhood education at Goddard School. She loved the kids and biked to work every day until March 27th, 2023, when she was admitted to the hospital unexpectedly. Her philosophy was to teach from the heart with love, with the emphasis on channeling a person's inner drive for growth and joyful learning. The kids loved her and would fight to sit on her lap. She found the ultimate joy, play, and purpose in her work.
Hongping's radiant positive energy touched many and will continue to inspire. She lived a very simple life. Her sense of contentment was sourced from inside and from nature. Duke Garden was her absolute favorite place. Her hobbies included music, knitting and massages. She enjoyed going to concerts and musicals at Durham Academy with her daughter. In her first job after college, she also taught music and played many instruments. Music and knitting angels gave her a deep sense of creativity and peace. She had a strong belief that there was magical healing power in massage therapy. Massages along with soothing music was her daily routine after waking up every morning to open all the energy channels. Hongping also had a fantastic memory and amazing ability to sleep whenever, wherever.
Hongping will be missed dearly by her family, friends, co-workers, and students. She will be a guardian angel for all from above.
Mrs. Xiang is survived by her daughter, Lei Zhu; grandson, William Chen; son-in-law, Lihong Chen; brother, Hongzhi Xiang; nephews, Su Xiang, Xun Xiang; and sisters-in-law, Ruiling Kong, Xiuqin Ji.
A memorial service will be held at 1pm on May 12th, at Maplewood Cemetery, 1621 Duke University Rd, Durham, NC 27701. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Goddard School at 5300 Fayetteville Rd, Durham, NC 27713.
The family is being assisted by Clements Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. in Durham. Online condolences may be made at www.clementsfuneralservice.com.