Ruiyun Hu

Born on July 12, 1927, in Taigu, China, Ruiyun was one of eight children. Her life spanned nearly a century and included World War II and the Cultural Revolution. Blessed with beauty, kindness, courage and fortitude, she lived a life of selfless service. Throughout her years, she cared for her parents, siblings, her own children, grandchildren and her siblings’ children, putting her family’s needs before her own.

As a child, she enjoyed ice skating, playing basketball, volleyball, and the piano. From a young age, she showed her devotion to her family, knitting and selling socks and custom-fit gloves to help support them. She continued knitting throughout her life, making many things for her loved ones.

Ruiyun attended school in Beijing and became a laboratory technician at Beijing Friendship Hospital, where she worked on medical research focused on tropical and infectious diseases. It was there that she met her husband, Weiji Cao. Their shared commitment to medicine and helping others took them together to rural areas of China, where they provided healthcare to people with limited access and resources. They had two children, a son, Naikang Cao, and a daughter, Naiqiu Cao.

In 1992, Ruiyun immigrated to the United States to be closer to her son and help raise her granddaughter, Kacey.

Ruiyun welcomed people into her home with handmade dumplings and steamed buns, making sure no one left with an empty belly. She also loved spending time with the family’s dog, Roxy, who held a special place in her heart. In her later years, word searches became a favorite pastime.

Ruiyun remained playful and cheerful in her later years, often delighting her family with funny, quick-witted remarks. As hospital visits became more frequent in her final months, she continued to greet her family and the healthcare workers who cared for her with a smile and heartfelt appreciation.

Ruiyun was preceded in death by her husband, Weiji Cao. She is survived by her son, Naikang Cao; her daughter, Naiqiu Cao, and son-in-law, Yang Zhao; her brother, Yanshen; her granddaughter, Kacey Cao, and Kacey’s husband, David Bowers; and many nieces and nephews.

She will be deeply missed and remembered for her warmth and infectious smile.