Winnie Ruth Chen

In Loving Memory of Winnie Ruth Chen

1939年6月27日 — 2026年8月8日

(June 27, 1939 – August 8, 2026)

我们怀着万分悲痛的心情，告知亲朋好友：我们挚爱的陈文如女士于2026年8月8日在美国北弗吉尼亚州平静地与世长辞，享年87岁。

陈文如于1939年6月27日出生于中国上海，自幼聪慧过人，酷爱读书，为人活泼开朗，优雅知性，深得师友喜爱。1957年，她以出类拔萃的优异成绩考上北京大学西语系攻读英国文学，1962年毕业后留系执教，一丝不苟的治学态度和学贯中西的博闻强记，赢得同事和学生的尊重和钦佩。1979年赴英深造，在里兹大学获得语言学硕士学位。

旅居香港期间，陈文如在金融界从事英语教学及翻译工作，她的敬业精神与亲和力，至今仍为当年的同僚津津乐道。1984年，与家人移居美国后，加入了位于华盛顿的美国之音中文部担任编辑，在那里度过了多年充实而卓有成就的职业生涯，她对知识世界永不消褪的好奇和孜孜不倦的求知，也在那里得到了满足。她最终以编辑主任的身份光荣退休。

陈文如一生勤勉好学，才华出众，她的思想独立而不偏激，待人处世宽容而不姑息，以她父亲的 「松柏气节，云水襟怀」 为座右铭，是一位真正有品味，有深度，有风骨的女士。对家人而言，她是深爱着丈夫陈捷的贤妻，对两个女儿陈方微和陈方晨严格要求而又以身作则的良母，又是五位外孙张安然、李凯智、张蔚然、李凯信和李凯睿心目中永远美丽、慈祥而且风趣的外婆。她尤其疼爱她的外孙们，始终关注他们的成长、学习和生活，为他们的每一点进步而欣喜，也一直积极参与他们人生中的许多重要时刻。孩子们的成长与成就是她晚年最大的骄傲与幸福之一。

陈文如的一生跨越上海、北京、香港、英国，最终扎根美国。退休之后与丈夫一起周游世界，常常在幼时从书本上获知的历史遗迹面前欣喜若狂或沉思陶醉。无论时代如何更迭、生活如何变迁，她始终保持着对知识的热爱、内心的坚韧、独立的精神和对家人深沉而恒久的爱。

我们将永远怀念她的智慧与优雅，怀念她熟悉的身影，怀念她给予家人的关怀、陪伴与爱。

她走过了充实而精彩的一生，也为我们留下了一份无可替代的精神财富。能够拥有这样一位妻子、母亲和外祖母，是我们全家一生的幸运。

With profound sorrow, we share the loss of our beloved Winnie Ruth Chen, who passed away peacefully in Northern Virginia on August 8, 2026, at the age of 87.

Born in Shanghai on June 27, 1939, Winnie was exceptionally bright from childhood, an avid reader and lifelong learner known for her lively spirit, intelligence, and grace.

In 1957, she entered Peking University, where she studied English literature in the Department of Western Languages. After graduating in 1962, she remained on the faculty as a professor. Her rigorous scholarship, remarkable memory, and deep knowledge of Chinese and Western culture earned the respect of colleagues and students alike. In 1979, she continued her studies in England, earning a master’s degree in linguistics from the University of Leeds.

While living in Hong Kong, Winnie worked in the financial sector as an English instructor and translator. In 1984, she immigrated to the United States with her family and joined the Chinese Branch of Voice of America in Washington, D.C. She enjoyed a long and distinguished career there, eventually retiring as chief editor.

Winnie was intelligent, disciplined, and independent-minded—open to different views while always true to her values. She lived by a phrase cherished by her father: “the steadfast character of pine and cypress, and a heart as broad and serene as clouds and water.” It reflected the refinement, integrity, depth, and grace with which she lived.

Above all, Winnie cherished her family. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother to her two daughters whom she inspired through both her expectations and her example, and a deeply affectionate and witty grandmother to her five grandchildren.

Her grandchildren were among her greatest joys. She followed their lives and education closely, celebrated their accomplishments, and was present for many of their most important moments. Their growth and achievements brought her immense pride and happiness.

Winnie’s life took her from Shanghai to Beijing, Hong Kong, England, and ultimately the United States. In retirement, she and Victor traveled the world together. She delighted in visiting historic places she had first encountered in books as a child, often with both excitement and wonder.

We will forever miss her. She lived a full and meaningful life and leaves behind a legacy of strength, character, and love. To have known her as a wife, mother, and grandmother was one of our family’s greatest blessings.

Winnie is survived by her husband, Victor Chen; her daughters, Fanny (Tony) Cheung and Molly (Yikloon Lee) Chen; and her grandchildren, Erin Cheung, Micah Lee, Olivia Cheung, Justin Lee, and Morgan Lee.

陈文如女士追思纪念仪式 Memorial Service Celebrating Winnie’s Life

2026年9月6日（星期日）Sunday, September 6, 2026

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

National Funeral Home and Memorial Park

7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA 22042

诚邀亲朋好友前来共同追思、缅怀她的一生。如蒙致送鲜花，可直接送至殡仪馆。(请填写Winnie R. Chen)

Family and friends are warmly invited to join us in remembering and celebrating her life. Those wishing to send flowers may have them delivered directly to the funeral home, addressed to Winnie R. Chen.