On October 31, 2025, in New York, community-famous elder and Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Chinese Planning Council’s Fushou Elderly Care Center, Li Yanni (known as “Mother Li”), passed away peacefully at the age of 85 at her home earlier this month on the 21st. The public memorial service was held in Flushing on the 30th. Nearly 200 people from various sectors of the community braved the rain to bid farewell, remembering Mother Li’s selfless dedication to the community.
New York State Senator Liu Chunyi, City Councilor Huang Minyi, President and CEO of the Chinese Planning Council He Yongkang, Deputy Director of the Community Services Bureau in the Mayor’s Office Gu Yaming, Director of the Chinese Planning Council’s Queens District Service Center Wu Mingxiao, Fushou Elderly Care Center Director Zheng Shi, Artistic Director of the New York Youth Lion Youth Orchestra Fang Xiurong, Executive Director of the Asian-American Physicians Association Charity Foundation Huang Xueli, and over a hundred elderly center members from Fushou Elderly Care Center, braved the inclement weather to accompany Mother Li on her final journey.
He Yongkang, President and CEO of the Chinese Planning Council, expressed that Mother Li dedicated herself wholeheartedly to the Fushou Elderly Care Center. “I first met her about ten years ago, she was energetic, diligent, and full of love. She always made sure the elderly were well-fed, warm, happy, trained, and actively participated in activities. Although I can no longer see her brilliant smile, we will always cherish her.”
Director Zheng Shi of the Fushou Elderly Care Center said that Mother Li volunteered at the center every day, rain or shine. She was strict but charitable. Her sudden passing shocked and saddened everyone. Mother Li was an ordinary person. She had no power or wealth, but so many people disregarded the bad weather and their old age to come and bid her farewell – on the 31st, more elders will come to pay their respects, which shows her influence.
Community member Ji Xuanyu said that Mother Li actively helped Chinese-American candidates in elections, volunteered enthusiastically at the elderly center, always ready to help, but never asked for anything in return. “Such a selfless person, you can’t find a second one.”
Mother Li’s son thanked everyone for coming to bid his mother farewell. He told reporters that on the 20th, his mother informed the center that she was unwell and would not be attending activities. The next day on the 21st, when the center couldn’t reach her and he couldn’t reach her by phone, he contacted the management of her apartment to check on her, only to discover her lying in bed, already passed away. “She never woke up after falling asleep.” His son choked up as he spoke.
On Friday morning at 11 a.m. on the 31st, Li Yanni will be laid to rest at the Washington Memorial Gardens on Long Island.