Ming Qi

Dr. Ming Qi, a beacon of love, kindness, and intelligence, passed away on December 15, 2025, at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, after a valiant battle with dedifferentiated retroperitoneal liposarcoma. Born in Beijing, China, on June 14, 1962, Ming's life was marked by an unwavering dedication to her family, her friends, her profession, and the pursuit of knowledge for the advancement of lifesaving medications. Her 63 years of life were rich with love, accomplishments, warmth, and the joy of simple pleasures.

After earning her MD from Beijing Medical University, she immigrated to the United States by herself in 1989, borrowing money from friends to purchase a plane ticket to Chicago. There she pursued and received a PhD from Loyola University Chicago, a testament to her insatiable thirst for learning and her commitment to the betterment of others' lives through medical science. Her intelligence was evident in every aspect of her life, guiding her as a physician, a scientist, a mentor, and a family pillar.

She is survived by her loving husband Zhaogang Li, whom she met in 1986 and married in 1988. The couple moved from Beijing to Chicago and eventually to Phoenixville, PA. For nearly forty years, they shared a partnership of deep love, mutual respect, and undying affection that took them all over the world. Together they raised two wonderful children, Ray and Michelle. She instilled in her children the values of hard work, empathy, curiosity, and integrity. Ming's parents, Youwei Qi and Shuzhen Liang, watched with pride as she grew into a remarkable woman whose kindness touched all those around her.

Ming had a distinguished career at Johnson & Johnson for over 20 years as a cancer drug developer, culminating in her position as Global Medical Head of Late Development Hematology prior to her retirement in March 2023. She played critical roles in the development of several transformational cancer medicines such as siltuximab, daratumumab, and teclistamab. She received a Johnson Medal, the highest honor at Johnson & Johnson, for her contribution in the development of subcutaneous daratumumab formulation for the treatment of multiple myeloma. Her work has and will continue to have lasting impacts on the lives of hundreds of thousands of patients with cancer around the world. In addition to her medical achievements, Ming was a respected leader and beloved friend at Johnson & Johnson, mentoring and nurturing hundreds of colleagues who continue to benefit from the expertise and knowledge she imparted on them.

Ming's interests were as diverse as they were enriching. She found joy in the exploration of new places as vast as Japan and South Africa, comfort in watching movies and travel shows with family, and laughter in the thrill of competitive games like Rummikub.

Ming's life was a portrait of love in action. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, colleagues, and the communities she served with such distinction. Her memory will live on as a guiding light, inspiring those she leaves behind to live with the same generous spirit that she so effortlessly embodied. As we say goodbye to Ming, we also celebrate the profound impact of her remarkable life of purpose, grace, and an enduring kindness that will never be forgotten.

Friends and family are welcome to join a memorial service celebrating the life of Dr. Ming Qi to be held on Monday December 22, 2025 at Logan Funeral Home (392 Lancaster Ave, Malvern, PA 19355). The memorial service will begin with a visitation at 10AM and proceed with remarks at 11AM. Lunch will follow.

For those unable to join us in person, the service will be streamed on this page. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Fox Chase Cancer Center in honor of Ming via this link, for which you can send receipts to liqirm@gmail.com.