This fundraiser is created in loving memory of our wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend, Christine Li (January 30, 1958 - June 2, 2026), who passed away after her battle with pancreatic cancer.
She was a deeply selfless person who consistently put others first. Even in her hardest moments, she remained focused on the people around her. Supporting others through her memory feels true to who she was.
We are directing support to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) - the leading organization dedicated solely to fighting pancreatic cancer through research, patient support, and advocacy. Their work exists to ensure that other families facing this diagnosis have access to better treatments, better resources, and more hope than exists today.
Rather than collecting funds personally, this campaign exists to channel contributions directly to PanCAN's mission - advancing research and providing real support to patients and caregivers in the middle of the same fight Christine faced.
Donations will support pancreatic cancer research and patient programs through the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
We are deeply grateful for your support in honoring her life.
Obituary:
In Loving Memory of Christine Li (Qi Kun Tang)
January 30, 1958 – June 2, 2026
Christine Li, beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, teacher and friend, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2026, at the age of 68, surrounded by the love of her family.
Born in Shanghai, China, on January 30, 1958, Christine’s life was defined by faith, perseverance, selflessness, humility and unwavering devotion to her family and loved ones. Through her resiliency, determination and hard work, she forged her own path and built a new life in the United States. There, she met the love of her life, Mo Dai Li, in 1992 after being introduced by friends in Queens, New York. They married in 1993 and built a loving home together in Great Neck, where they raised two sons, Tom and Lionel, whom she cherished deeply. Throughout her life, Christine remained steadfast in her commitment to service, faith and family.
Christine was a lifelong learner who pursued higher education in both China and the United States before dedicating her career to teaching. For more than three decades, Christine devoted herself to education as an ESL teacher in the NYC public school system. She helped generations of students and families overcome language barriers and discover new opportunities through learning. Known for her patience, compassion and dedication, she touched countless lives throughout her career before retiring in 2021.
Christine’s Christian faith was a guiding force throughout her life. As a devoted member of the Community Church of Great Neck, she faithfully served her church community and found great joy in worship, fellowship, prayer and serving others. Her faith shaped the way she cared for her family, supported her community and welcomed others with kindness, generosity and love.
Family was at the center of Christine’s life. Whether planning holiday celebrations, organizing family gatherings, or simply checking in on those she loved, she had a gift for bringing people together. She truly was the heart of her family–the one who remembered birthdays, reached out with a phone call and made sure no one felt forgotten. Christine was the glue that kept the family close across generations, creating a home where everyone felt welcomed, loved and cared for.
Christine is survived by her devoted husband, Mo Dai Li; her sons, Tom Li and Lionel Li; her mother, Jin Qiu Ren; her brother, Qi Yu Tang; and many beloved relatives, friends, former students, colleagues and members of her church community.
A memorial service celebrating Christine’s life was held on June 13, 2026, followed by burial at Pinelawn Memorial Park. Christine leaves behind a legacy of faith, kindness, compassion and unconditional love. She will be deeply missed, forever loved and always remembered.
Videos:
Maine, 2019
Time Capsule
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