Susan Run Sheng Ni

Her days were filled with the things that brought her joy - teaching children music, exercising, long lunches with dear friends and dinner every night with her daughter, son-in-law, and grandkids.

Obituary

Susan Ni, 80, of Menlo Park, lived with an extraordinary vitality that illuminated every life she touched. She passed away suddenly from a heart attack at the gym on October 7th, doing what she loved—staying active and embracing each day with her characteristic vigor.

Susan’s energy was remarkable - she was perpetually in motion, talking, laughing or running up or down the stairs. Susan truly enjoyed life, loved the people around her and delighted in everyday accomplishments.

Most of all, her devotion to her grandchildren was absolute and unwavering.

She leaves behind a legacy of music, love, and joy for all who’ve been lucky enough to know her.

A Life Filled With Love, Music, Family and Friends

Born in Shanghai China, she was the youngest daughter of Chiang Ching Chi, an engineer, business man and university professor. She attended the Shanghai No. 3 Girls' High School. She studied piano from an early age, becoming a top pianist and served as the piano accompanist to the Shanghai gymnastics team.

Food was scarce in China during those times.  She applied to leave China and join her father who had moved to Canada. Through mutual friends, she met Joseph Ni (Guo Liang), a man who shared her dreams of a life beyond China. She also thought he was handsome and liked that even during the challenging times of the cultural revolution, his family was well-off enough to eat meat several times a week. From these auspicious beginnings, they had a marriage that lasted over 45 years.

After many miscarriages, their only-child Perla was born in 1973.    When Perla turned 6, Susan began teaching Perla piano - the first of many students to come.

Journey to New Life
After years of applications and patience, Susan and Joseph received approval to immigrate to Canada in 1980. In Vancouver, British Columbia, she worked briefly as a seamstress and housekeeper. As soon as she saved up enough money, she purchased a piano and resumed what she loved most - teaching piano to her daughter Perla and soon, other students. She became a Royal Conservatory Affiliate Teacher.

Susan’s great pride was seeing her daughter Perla excel academically, attending UC Berkeley and later Harvard Law School.

When Perla married Mike Lanza, Susan and Joseph moved to the Bay Area to take care of their grandkids.

The Menlo Park Years: A Joyful Life
She moved to Menlo Park only a block away from her grandkids. Seeing Marco, Nico and Leo grow up to be kind, handsome, hardworking young men was the purest joy in her life. Her home became a second haven for them, where they came for lunch, got piano lessons and ate mooncakes.

Susan embraced every family adventure with her grandkids. She traveled enthusiastically on family vacations to Mexico City, Iceland, Hawaii, and Las Vegas.

Her Love For Her Piano Students and Families
She was a beloved piano teacher in the Menlo Park and Palo Alto area. She genuinely cared for and connected with each student. Her energy was infectious and inspired students to practice.

The annual Holiday recital became a cherished tradition where Susan’s students could showcase their hard work and celebrate their musical achievements together with their proud family and friends. These events reflected Susan’s belief that music was about bringing joy and building families and community.

Friendships
Susan possessed an extraordinary gift for friendship. She loved her many dear friends. She made friends at the YMCA and Redwood City Bay Club. She loved having lunch with her friends in Menlo Park and Palo Alto. She loved to explore the Bay Area with her friends, trying out new restaurants. And remarkably, Susan maintained connections with friends she has known for decades in the Bay Area, China, Vancouver, Toronto and New York.

Health and Vitality
Susan stayed youthful and stylish.  She swam daily for 30 years, ate healthy food, and had just started weight training. She took pride in how she looked and enjoyed shopping and going out.

She also nurtured her family’s health. Well into Perla’s professional career, Susan would lovingly prepare fresh fruit, cut into small pieces for her to take to work. This same care continued with her grandchildren as she welcomed them to her home with plates of peeled apples and pears.

A Legacy of Joy
Susan Ni found delight in everyday accomplishments and spread happiness wherever she went. Her teaching touched the lives of countless students who will remember her vibrant energy. Her friendships spanned cultures and decades, reflecting her open heart and generous spirit.

Susan was preceded in death by her loving husband, Joseph Ni. She is survived by her devoted daughter Perla Ni, her son-in-law Mike Lanza, her treasured grandchildren Marco, Nico, and Leo Lanza, and her grand-dog Jane, along with numerous friends whose lives she enriched.

Susan's joy, radiant smile, and boundless positive energy will live on in our hearts.

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