Catherine Cheng Wei Gao

In loving memory of Catherine Cheng Wei Gao, who peacefully departed this world on August 18, 2026, at the age of 86, after suffering a major stroke. Catherine was born on October 29, 1939, in Shanghai, China, to the late Zhijie Wei and Ruiheng Wang. She was a beacon of warmth and generosity, touching the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Catherine's life was a testament to her dedication and passion for knowledge. She graduated from the prestigious Shanghai University of Science and Technology and embarked on a remarkable career in the field of biological research. Her professional journey took her across the globe, from the Shanghai Institute of Cell Biology to esteemed institutions in the United States, including the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and University of Cincinnati. Her contributions to science were significant and lasting, reflecting her unwavering commitment to advancing knowledge and discovery. In 1968, Catherine married the love of her life, Johnson Kuixiong Gao, in a beautiful ceremony in Shanghai. Together, they nurtured a loving family and created a life rich with shared dreams and adventures. Catherine was a devoted mother to her sons, Alvin and Raymond Gao, and a grandmother to her cherished granddaughter, Emma Gao. Her family was the cornerstone of her life, and she relished every moment spent with them. Beyond her professional achievements, Catherine had a deep passion for gardening, finding solace and joy in tending to her vegetable garden. Her garden was not only a place of growth and beauty but also a reflection of her nurturing spirit. Catherine had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel valued and loved, always offering a kind word and a helping hand to those around her. Catherine was predeceased by her beloved parents and her siblings, Huan Wei and Hua Wei. She is survived by her devoted husband, Johnson Kuixiong Gao, her brother Qiang Wei, sister Li Wei, her sons Alvin and Raymond, and her granddaughter Emma. Her legacy of love, kindness, and intellectual curiosity will continue to inspire those who were fortunate to know her. In honoring Catherine's memory, the family kindly suggests donations be made to a charity of your choice. Her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her, and she will be dearly missed but never forgotten.