Xing Jiao Li, 93, of Quincy, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2026, surrounded by the family she spent a lifetime building.

Born in Toisan, China, Xing was a woman of extraordinary resilience and sharp intellect. In her early years, she was a skilled shopkeeper, managing a local business before the profound upheavals of the Cultural Revolution forced a move to the land, where she worked as a farmer. These early experiences as an entrepreneur forged the strength she would need to later navigate a new life in the United States.

Following the passing of her husband in the late 1970s, she became the family’s singular pillar and matriarch. As a true embodiment of the American Dream, she raised five children on her own while working tirelessly as a factory worker and caregiver.

Her greatest legacy was the path she paved for others; through years of relentless effort, she ensured her children, nieces, and nephews could also find a home in the U.S. Her unwavering work ethic saw her four sons and one daughter become successful entrepreneurs, and her commitment to the future is reflected in her 11 grandchildren, all of whom are college graduates.

An expert at the mahjong table and a master in the kitchen, she found her greatest joy in feeding her family. Through her cooking, she passed down the history, flavors, and values of their Chinese heritage. Her family will especially cherish the memory of her handmade nian gao every Chinese New Year—a dish that symbolized her wishes for their continued growth and prosperity, and a tradition that will be carried forward in her honor.

She is survived by her five children and their spouses, 11 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.