Obituary of Dr. Shoi Yean Hwang, PhD

Shoi Yean Hwang was born on November 22, 1931 in Foochow, Fukien, China, the youngest child of the late Daw Kwei Hwang and Ching King Kuo Hwang.   At the age of two, Shoi’s family, moved from Foochow, making their home in several different places in China.   He completed Senior High School in Taiwan serving in the ROTC.   Shoi immigrated to America in 1958.

Shoi married the love of his life, Mary Shoi Ping Wang on September 2, 1961 in New York City.   From this union came the birth of two children.   Shoi received scholarship to attend Colorado University and then later to attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York.   He earned his PhD in Civil Engineering.

Shoi was extremely intelligent and enjoyed sharing his knowledge with others.   For many years, he served as the Dean of Engineering for South Carolina State University.   During the summer, he liked to travel and lecture at other universities.   Shoi was very organized and meticulous.   He had several published articles and had once worked with NASA on a project.   While living in West Columbia, South Carolina he helped to found a Chinese Church.

Shoi was quiet and often kept to himself, although he never forgot a birthday or anniversary.   He loved international travel and taking cruises.   One of his favorite pastimes was playing bridge.   Shoi was extremely dedicated to his career but following his retirement, Shoi and Mary moved to their favorite place to visit, Chinatown in New York City, New York.

Dr. Shoi Yean Hwang, PhD, age 85 of Flushing, New York passed away on Sunday, May 28, 2017 at his family’s home in Monroe, Michigan under the care of Great Lakes Caring Hospice. His passing was preceded by his parents.

To cherish his memory, he leaves his beloved wife of fifty-five years:  Mary S.P. Hwang; son: Dr. Irving (Donna) Hwang, MD; daughter:  Vivian (Kevin) Fields; sister:  Annie Chang of California; and four grandchildren:  Elliott Bruck Hwang, Sarona-Lyn Vivian Hwang, Taryn Elisabeth Fields, and Kirstyn Grace Fields.

Friends may gather on Friday, June 2, 2017 from 3:00pm-8:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe (734) 384-5185.   A Celebration of His Life will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, June 3 also at Merkle’s with Pastor Larry Head of Lakeside Missionary Baptist Church officiating.   Procession will follow to Gethsemane Cemetery for burial.

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