Zu Ci Yu

Yu, Zuci passed on January 7th, 2026 surrounded by loved ones.

Born on September 11, 1931, the daughter of Yu Tiehan of the Yu family of Taishan, Zuci came from a family whose fortune-built over generations from working in San Francisco-afforded her a rare opportunity in that era: an education. She made the most of this chance, earning her secondary degree in education from Guangzhou Changsha Normal School in 1951.

When given the chance to go abroad, her love for her students, neighbors, and family gave her the conviction to stay in China as the nation rebuilt itself. She dedicated herself to teaching, shaping young minds during a transformative period in her country's history.

She married her first husband, and together they were selected to teach at Beijing Secondary Training School-a recognition of their dedication to education. Tragically, her husband passed during an educational exchange program to the Soviet Union while she remained in Beijing.

She later remarried. Her second husband, as relatives in Beijing fondly recalled, loved her singing. They spent their remaining years together in Guangzhou as the nation entered a period of political and social turmoil, before he passed.

After years of raising her children alone through the revolution, she immigrated to Chicago with them in 1985, bringing her enduring love of community with her.

In Chinatown, she became an active member of the Chinese American Service League. She founded and served as chairperson of the Hilliard Towers Chinese Senior Residents Association for over 10 years. She also founded the Hilliard Towers Senior Singing Group, where her voice-so beloved by those who knew her-continued to bring people together. The group brought joy to seniors and performed at various local Chinese festivals.

Yu Zuci is survived by four children, twelve grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. She was a loving, kind, and beautiful woman who lived fully until her final moments and will be forever remembered.

Visitation Tuesday, January 13th 9:30 a.m. until time of Funeral Service 11:30 am at Dalcamo Funeral Home. Cremation Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Chinese American Service League