Yanrong Zhang

Yanrong “Florence” Zhang

1982 – 2026

Yanrong Zhang, known to many as “Florence,” age 43, passed away peacefully at home on June 28, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Florence was born in Guangdong, China, and moved to the United States at a young age. She spent most of her life in the U.S., where she went to school, built a career, made a home, and raised a family. She earned a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University, where she met her beloved husband, David.

After graduation, Florence worked for several years as a mechanical engineer in Schenectady, New York, before moving to Atlanta to join David. They later moved to Mason, Ohio, where they made their home for more than a decade. After her engineering career, Florence chose to pursue a dream of her own and built a small online fashion item retail business. Through that work, she found joy, passion, and friendship. Later in life, as her health declined, she turned much of her energy and attention to online stock trading, approaching it with curiosity, focus, and determination.

Florence was a shy and private person, but those who knew her well understood the depth of her kindness, courage, and compassion. She cared deeply for her family, especially her daughter, Fei, whom she loved with all her heart and wanted to give the very best of everything in the world. She also thought often of her parents and relatives, and always held her family close in her heart.

Florence loved traveling and seeing the world. She enjoyed trying different kinds of food and experiencing new places. She had a special interest in drawing and spent many hours learning, practicing, and expressing herself through art. She also had an adventurous spirit. She loved roller coasters, tried zipline, cave diving, paragliding, and had long hoped to one day go skydiving.

Florence had an especially tender heart for animals. She cared for the stray animals in the backyard, fed them, and felt deeply for those that were hurt or suffering. She loved her two cats dearly and spoiled them with affection. She regularly supported causes close to her heart, including animal shelters and children’s hospitals.

Throughout her 17-year battle with cancer, Florence experienced many ups and downs, moments of hope and moments of disappointment. Yet she remained remarkably brave, resilient, and hopeful. Even in difficult times, she continued to look toward better days. She often spoke about the future and retirement plans, even when her condition had become very serious. That hopefulness was one of the most extraordinary parts of who she was. Her quiet strength, gentle heart, and unwavering optimism will always be remembered by those who loved her.

Florence is survived by her husband, David; her daughter, Fei; her parents; and other loving family members and friends.

A private family visitation will be held first, followed by a public visitation on July 10, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Mueller Funeral Home. A graveside service and burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery.

Florence will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family, friends, and all who knew her.