Jun-Ying Zhang

Jun-Ying Zhang, age 57, passed away on Wednesday February 14, 2018 at the Hospice of Northwest Ohio in Perrysburg, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on August 15, 1960 in Anhui, China to Qide Zhang and Yuzhen Zhang. Jun-Ying earned her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Anhui University in 1982, master’s degree in material science from the University of Science and Technology of China in 1987, and PhD from the University of Kahlsruhe in 1993. She married Qi Fang on June 23, 1984 in Anhui, China and he survives her. As a highly accomplished scientist, engineer and inventor, Jun-Ying’s work has led her to live in four countries over three continents during her lifetime. She left China in 1989 for Heidelberg, Germany to pursue her PhD degree whilst working at ABB Group Research Centre. Her expertise in advanced material science brought her to University College London in England, and ultimately to 3M Company in St. Paul, Minnesota, where she was able to achieve her scientific visions and live the American dream. In 2012 she was appointed as a staff engineer at First Solar in Perrysburg, working on the cutting edge of solar energy and accomplishing her dream of getting her work into the production line. Over her career, Jun-Ying has published over 160 scientific papers, and has held over 60 US patents. During her leisure time, Jun-Ying was a competitive athlete who ran track and field for her university and held the Anhui provincial record for the 3000 meters at the university level. She became an enthusiastic tennis player after moving to the US, and was very proud of the numerous trophies she won at her regional tennis clubs. Her inquisitive nature and love of travelling has taken her to over 20 countries around the world. Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Qi Fang; son, Yue “Lei” Fang; brother, Weidong Zhang; and sisters, Huiying and Shuying Zhang. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2017 at 11 am at Zoar Lutheran Church, 314 E. Indiana Ave, Perrysburg, OH 43551. A memorial luncheon will follow at 1 pm at the Hilton Garden Inn Perrysburg. Floral contributions and condolences may be made to Witzler-Shank Funeral Home, 222 E. South Boundary St, Perrysburg, OH 43551 (419-874-3133). The family asks attendees to RSVP at the following website: RSVP HERE