Jeanne Yin Cheng

Jeanne Yu-Fang Yin Cheng of Alexandria, VA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 24th at the age of 86 in her home surrounded by her family.  Jeanne was born in China November 7, 1934.  She was the daughter of Thomas C.D. Yin and Wang Lai Yin.  She grew up in Qingdoa and Shanghai and moved with her family to Taiwan in 1949.  In 1955, she departed on a two-month trip to the U.S. via cargo ship on which she met her future husband, Tung C. Cheng.  Jeanne pursued advanced studies at Cazenovia College, NY and Radford University, VA.

On July 4, 1959, Jeanne and T.C. married in Washington, D.C. and in 1966 moved to Hollin Hills in Alexandria, VA where they raised their two children – Andrew & Ann.  Jeanne was known for hosting large parties and offering Chinese cooking lessons which were loved and appreciated by many.  She did volunteer work at the National Gallery of Art and at the newly established Mt. Vernon Hospital.

In the early 1960’s, Jeanne joined THIS; a program initiated by JFK to welcome and assist diplomats.   Jeanne had a keen eye for design and a love for haute couture.  She was invited by the Chinese Ambassador’s wife to design, create and present a fashion show to promote textile products of Taiwan.  Yin Yu-Fang Originals was born from that and extended to another fashion show at Neiman-Marcus to raise funds for the Rotary Club of Mt. Vernon to install exercise stations along the George Washington Memorial Parkway.  Jeanne eventually spent a 15-year career as a Fur Salon Manager with Neiman-Marcus leading its Chevy Chase salon and serving clients worldwide.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, T.C. Cheng; two children – Andrew Cheng, and wife Lynn Cheng of Alexandria, VA and Ann Cheng Knox, and husband Steve Knox of South Riding, VA; four sisters – YuFen Yin of Shanghai, China, Helen Chen, and husband P.K. of Fremont, CA,  Susy Yin-Hansen of Seattle, WA, and Margarida Yin-Yip, and husband Chris Yip of San Luis Obispo, and one brother – Paul Yin of Sugarland, TX.; four grandchildren – Alexander Cheng, Katie Runyon, and husband Nate Runyon, Christopher Cheng, and Kaylee Shaye Knox; two grand puppies – Scooby and Charlie and one great grand puppy - Nugget. 

Jeanne was the backbone of the Cheng family with her strength and grace.  She loved to help people and was kind and courageous.  Jeanne will be cherished and honored by her family always.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish, may make a donation in her memory to the Mount Vernon Unitarian Church – “Jeanne Yin Cheng Memorial Fund” - 1909 Windmill Lane, Alexandria, VA 22307, admin@mvuc.org

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