Nancy Zi Li

Nancy Zi Li , 88, devoted wife, mother and grandmother, lyric-coloratura soprano classical singer, teacher of voice and qigong, and author of "The Art of Breathing", was called to heavenly rest on March 19, 2019 at her home in California.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Sueloong Paul Li; her children Vincent and Violette (and son-in-law David T. Huang); her grandson Nicholas Huang; her siblings Thomas Hsu of Houston, TX, and Bella Bell of Honolulu, HI; her sisters-in law Martha Russell Hsu of Chapel Hill, NC, and Laura Hsu of Houston, TX; and seven nieces and nephews.

Born in Hartford, CT, and raised in China, she returned to the US for her musical education. After receiving her Bachelor of Music degree from Millikin University, IL, she furthered her vocal training under the direction of such celebrated teachers as Professor Robert Long and William Herman. Nancy had a successful thirty-year career as a professional classical soloist and performed extensively in concert, opera, radio and television. She was always a great favorite with her audiences, and the critics and press wrote of her in the highest possible terms, praising her "tonal beauty and warmth of expression" and admiring her "artistic sincerity". A much-sought-after voice teacher, Nancy taught at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and in her private studio.

Nancy was the creator of "Chi Yi" – literally, "the art of breathing" – which combines Eastern and Western disciplines to teach the enhancement of performance, health, and well-being by cultivating abdominal deep breathing and utilizing an inner energy called "chi". Her book, video and DVD, "The Art of Breathing" has been published internationally in 15 languages. Nancy's workshops with health-related groups included the California Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Memorial Rehabilitation Hospital at Long Beach, the Canadian Voice Care Foundation, and support groups for Parkinson's Disease, Scleroderma, AID, and Fibromyalgia.

Nancy will be remembered as a vibrant force in music, education and health, and above all for sharing her love and care with each person she encountered in daily life.