Rochester, NY – Alice W. Chen, PhD, aged 85, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2020 at home surrounded by the love of her family. Dr. Chen was a full-time artist in addition to being an internationally-recognized mycologist.
Daughter of the late Professor C.C. and Sue Wei Hu, Alice was born August 17, 1935 in Nanjing, China. Alice is pre-deceased by her three sisters: Mable Cheng, Wilma Hu and Grace Yu. She was a global scholar, earning her doctorate from the Sydney University, Australia. Her other educational pursuits include the National University, Taiwan, the University of Kansas at Lawrence, and the Imperial College of London University – where she worked with Nobel prize winner Dr. E.B.Chain, who was awarded for the discovery of penicillin.
Since making Rochester, NY her home in the 1970s, Alice was a devoted mother who dedicated those early years in the US to raising her family and being an advocate/author focused on gifted and talented children. She leaves her ex-husband, Chung-Yuan Chen; her loving daughter, Lisa Chen Cross and her husband Mike of Pittsford, NY and their children: Griffin, Harrison and Callie; and her loving son, Michael Chen and his wife, Kristy, of Wallingford, PA and their children: Aidan and Nora.
Dr. Chen, a scientist by training, spent many years studying mushrooms. In particular, she focused on the use of Ganoderma lucidum in immunological research. Known as ling zhi in China, reishi in Japan and often touted as the “Mushroom of immortality,” Alice had many publications on its potential effectiveness in biomedical applications. She often said her scientific background helped her as an artist. For example, to paint a flower, she first would closely look at the bloom and carefully examine all of its biological components in order to understand it thoroughly as her muse.
Alice taught Asian Brush Painting at Rochester’s Memorial Art Gallery for 20 years, up until August 19, 2020. A popular speaker and demonstrator, she excited students and audiences with the flow of her vital energy and joyful spirit. She wanted to leave us with the legacy of being curious and creative. In one of her artist statements she said, “I like to immerse myself in the magic of nature and life, and to transmit my profound joy in discovery through art with a sprinkle of sunshine… I look forward each time to the unfolding of new frontiers in my poetic journey.”
Cheers to Alice’s everlasting poetic journey! Alice did not wish to hold services, rather she held celebrations of life with her family while she was still with them. To continue the legacy of her work in Asian brush painting, donations may be made by clicking on this blue link (Give Online) or mailed to the Memorial Art Gallery’s Creative Workshop, c/o Jackie Hart – Advancement Office, Memorial Art Gallery, 500 University Ave., Rochester, NY 14607.
The family plans a video tribute of Alice’s life and evolution as an artist/scientist in the future. For more information, please visit: http://www.alicechengallery.
Oh I love her spirit. It will never, ever fade.
Erin
David
Maddie
Connor
Dearest Alice,
What an extraordinary, creative, & wise journey you traveled. I loved your quick wit & warm spirit. I also thank you for sharing your equally amazing, Lisa, with me. I can never pass by your old Penfield apartment building without thinking of you. Rest well, Dr. Chen. Rest well.
With love & gratitude,
Arlette
So sorry to hear of Alice’s passing. I took brush painting classes with her. She always had interesting stories to tell. Alice was one of a kind and will be missed.
Christina
Alice was a blessing with her joy of life and her appreciation of beauty. She saw it everywhere – big and small – in all life and made objects. We will miss her always sunny visage. Her everlasting spirit is carried forward by her beloved family – to whom we send our love. The Mowrys
My acquaintance with Dr. Alice occurred when I attended exhibits of the Penfield Art Club. She always told me to call her “Alice.”
We always chatted for a few minutes. Her work was highly unusual. Once you saw one of her paintings, you would always recognize her style.
I am happy I had the opportunity to know Alice and talk with her about art. My sincere condolences to her family. Rest in peace, Alice.
Our deepest condolences to the family of this beautiful soul. We met Alice at the Eastway Wegmans dancing on Friday nights. Rest in peace Alice. You will be missed.
The photo of you and Michael with your mom is exactly how I always picture her. I was so grateful and thrilled that she made it to my wedding so many years ago. Always filled with love and light, her legacy of knowledge, science, and art is such a gift to us all. I am so honored to have been her goddaughter.
Love,
Dorothy (with Michael and Audrey in Seattle)
My deepest condolences to all your family. Alice was one of my favorite people in the world. She was a lovely teacher, a vivacious and loving human being, and an incredible artist. I loved taking her classes and l loved spending time with her outside of class. Picking her up and going to wegmans for lunch or to Starbucks in Barnes and Noble for tea was a delight I always looked forward to. She was kind, loving and always encouraging towards us all students. Please know that her legacy will live in our heart and homes for a long time to come. with my deepest respect and love, Liliana
Alice was a longtime member of the local mushroom club, which is where I met her.
We stayed in touch over the years. In 2018 Alice invited me to the Chinese New Year dinner. All she asked was that I be her chauffeur for the evening.
It was wonderful to meet her family, friends, and students that evening.
We were both very food friends with Dr Leo Tanghe
and would often meet at Leo’s home to do some mushroom microscopy.
I have many fond memories of her talks at our club meeting about her favorite mushroom, Lingzhi, aka Reishi, Ganaderma lucidum.
So sorry to hear of Alice’s passing. We will miss her at the monthly dances & also seeing her at the YMCA senior exercise classes. We enjoyed picking her up for these activities & got to know Alice as we traveled to and from these activities over the last few years. She always danced the entire night & never seemed to tire. She always had a little sweet “goodie” for Bob (in thanks for the ride) which he enjoyed so much. We also have a special Christmas tree ornament from her & will remember Alice each year as we hang it on our tree.
You will not be forgotten Alice. We are so thankful that you came into our lives.
Bob & Marlene Castilone
I met dear sweet Alice through her classes at the Memorial Art Gallery. Being in her presence brought so much joy to me. I don’t think she ever met a stranger. She was so open, loving, and kind to all. I’m saddened to hear of her passing. My deepest condolences to her family. She truly was one of a kind beautiful.
I am so so sad to her of Dr. Chen’s passing. I was one of her painting students at the art gallery for many years and hoping to sign up for a class when the Covid 19 was over. She always greeted me with such joy and happiness to see me once again in a class , she made me feel special. She just sparkled all the time and was so enthusiastic about her life and her teaching. She encouraged me every step of the way . She had the sweetest way of pronouncing my name , always made me smile – “Oh, Catherinnnnnnne is here”. I just loved this brilliant and talented woman. I will truly miss her spirit, her knowledge , her talent and her enthusiasm plus of course I will miss her teaching me . My condolence to all her family, friends , students and other loved ones. She was one of a kind and I loved the way she dressed. She seemed forever youthful. Oh, I will miss her.
Kathleen Dalton
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of Alice. I did her hair years ago in Penfield. Such a sweet lady and I loved her water colors. She was an amazing artist. Condolences to her family.
Before I met her, I admired Alice’s gorgeous paintings at the Penfield Art Club exhibits. Years later, I had the opportunity to take her Chinese Brush Painting class at the Memorial Art Gallery. Alice counseled my husband in the use of Reishi mushrooms to strengthen his immune system. She was what I think of as a “gift person” who comes into one’s life and changes it forever! Prayers and condolences to Alice’s family. May her beautiful soul Rest In Peace!
My sincere condolences to Alice’s family. We both shared a love for Mycology and especially all things Ganoderma lucidum. She was a delight to converse with and she will be missed. Alice was a wonderful colleague and I smile when I think of her enthusiasm, charm, and helpfulness. Bon voyage Alice.