Shulan Li

Shulan Li, 63, passed away on July 3, 2024, in New York City after a long battle with cancer. 

Shulan was born in Changchun, Jilin Province, China in 1960 to Guizhi Tao and Reiqi Li, the sixth out of eight siblings, garnering her the nickname “Xiaoliu” (Little Six) to her loved ones. She was intelligent and hardworking, becoming one of the most gifted students in her region, and was admitted into Beijing Normal University a year early. Afterwards, she attended Peking Union Medical College, where she earned a graduate degree in biology.

In 1996, she moved to New York, pursuing dreams of a happier life for her future family, and married Lunbiao Yan a year after. Having a child ended up being an uncertainty due to health complications, but in 2001 she was overjoyed to be able to finally start a family of her own. She was a loving wife and mother, and worked hard every day to build a comfortable life for her daughter.

Shulan was passionate about her job as a researcher in Columbia University Irving Medical Center, where she worked for over thirty years. She was respected by coworkers and superiors alike. Her colleagues on her memorial website have written that they remember her as “someone who always had a warm smile and brought a positive energy to the lab,” and that they “shared a lot of good laughs together.” She was ever-reliable, even coming in on days off if someone asked for her help, and was a loved mentor to new employees and fellows, who remember her dearly even after years since moving on.

Her friends were numerous in both China and the United States. To them, she was someone who laughed easily and honestly, and who was always there to lend a listening ear or a helping hand in times of need. She was praised for her cooking and handmade gifts—during holiday parties, her food was looked forward to the most. From intimate home gatherings to long scenic hikes, she and her friends made endless happy memories together.

Shulan will always be remembered for her selfless heart, bright smile, and overflowing love. She was loved by many, and will be missed by all who knew her and were loved by her in return. Her death was too sudden and too soon, and we can only take comfort in the fact that she is resting peacefully and without pain now, and will be in our hearts for the rest of our lives.

Shulan is survived by her husband, Lunbiao Yan, and her daughter, Lily Yan.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday July 11,2024 at 11am at Clinton Funeral Home, interment will follow in Cold Spring Cemetery.