Rong-Ine Ma

Born on January 2, 1939 in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China, Rong-Ine was the eldest of four children, raised by her father, Colonel Jing-Ren Wang of the Chinese Air Force, and her mother, Jing-Xuan Yang. She enjoyed a happy childhood with her younger brothers and developed an early passion for learning. She attended Kaohsiung Girls’ Senior High School in Taiwan and later graduated with honors from National Taiwan University, where she met her husband, Da-Kan Ma.

She was awarded a scholarship to Ohio State University, where she completed a Master of Science degree in Plant Pathology. She married Da-Kan Ma shortly after in Princeton, NJ and devoted over four decades to distinguished research work at the University of Pennsylvania, where she was widely respected for her contributions to cellular, molecular, and genetic research.

Equally devoted to the arts and wellness, Rong-Ine excelled in competitive swimming, Chinese opera, calligraphy, and later Tai Chi, which she taught in her community. In her later years at Greenspring Village in Springfield, VA, she built lasting friendships through gardening and her beloved Mahjong group.

Above all, Rong-Ine was a deeply loving and devoted mother and grandmother. She is survived by her youngest brother, Han-sheng Wang; her children Eugene Yi-Shan (Julia) Ma, Felix Yi-Ho Ma, and Lily Yi-Chian (Jonathan) Vandermolen; and six grandchildren: Sidney, Alex, James, Carter, Macek, and Clara. She was dedicated to her family, who will remember her for her kindness, patience, and warmth.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Demaine Funeral Home in Springfield, VA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center and Greenspring Village Senior Living Philanthropy. Interment will be at George Washington Memorial Park in Pennsylvania at a later date.

The family extends deep gratitude to her devoted medical team, caregivers, and friends at Greenspring Village.