Jennie Ho Hsiao, 95, of Richfield, MN, passed peacefully on October 21, 2025. She joins her beloved husband, Fred Feng Hsiao, who preceded her in 2010.
Born in Liling City, Hunan Province, China, she fled to Taiwan as a young woman during the Communist takeover.
Jennie earned an English degree from National Taiwan University, displaying a gift for language and intellect.
In 1958 she immigrated to the U.S. to marry Fred, who later founded Shaw-Lundquist Associates, one of the nation’s largest minority-owned general contractors.
Their shared journey was featured in the “Greatest Generation” exhibit at the Minnesota History Museum.
Jennie was a devoted wife, loving mother, and friend to many. Legally blind for many years, she embraced life with grace and determination. She taught her family Chinese heritage, perseverance, and kindness through love and stories.
Her community service was vast. She served on Minnesota’s Council on Asian-Pacific Minnesotans and was a leader in cultural exchange and unity.
Jennie was a lead supporter of the “Garden of Harmonious Beauty” at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (2008), blending Chinese design and nature.
She helped establish the St. Paul-Changsha Sister City program and welcomed sculptor Master Lei Yixin to Minnesota in 2006, whose work now stands at the MLK Memorial in D.C.
Together with Fred, she created the Jennie and Fred Hsiao Scholarship at the U of M in 2001, helping over 100 students study in China.
Her generosity also supported the Shaw- Lundquist / Hsiao Fellowship for graduate students in engineering and architecture.
Jennie was honored in 2018 by the Association of Fundraising Professionals for her lifelong commitment to service and philanthropy.
Her resilience as an immigrant and as a legally blind woman inspired all who knew her. The garden and scholarships stand as living tributes to her vision and heart.
Survived by children Howell Shaw (Nina Yang), Hoyt Hsiao (Zhen Zhen Luo), and Holden Hsiao (Yu Wen Mui); grandchildren Julian, Isabelle, David, Ellena, and Adysson; brother Larry Ho (Agnes); sister Zhiwen He Yuan; and many relatives and friends.
Visitation Sunday, Nov 9 2025, 1-4 PM; Visitation Monday, Nov 10 2025, 10-11 AM; Service at 11 AM all at Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel, followed by interment at Lakewood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts in support of the Jennie and Fred Hsiao Scholarship Fund at the University of Minnesota – give.umn.edu, search for ‘Hsiao’ as an area to support or to the Chinese Garden Endowment at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum – arb.umn.edu, enter Jennie Hsiao as the tribute name.
Jennie Ho Hsiao’s light continues to shine through the beauty she created and the lives she touched.
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