Mary Leung

Mary Leung (March 9, 1939 – March 12, 2022)
“I got one boiled egg and a very nutritious, delicious drink every morning! ” Those were the words from Mary, repeatedly assuring her wellbeing to everybody - even during the last couple weeks of her life journey. “All is fine with me…nothing to worry”, she said. Indeed, to Mary: “Ministry is Life”, and “Life is Ministry”.

Mary Leung, a life-time devoted minister of God, passed away peacefully in the morning of March 12, 2022, at age 83 with colon cancer. She is survived by her 3 younger sisters: Teresa Leung (Hong Kong), Pauline (Minnesota), and Celine (California). Mary lived an independent, holy, and fulfilling life with one mission in mind: To serve God and His people.

Mary was born in Guangdong, China in 1939. Her father was a businessman, and her mother was a housewife. Both were loving parents who raised their wonderful daughters. After Mary and her sisters graduated from St. Mary’s Canossian College in Hong Kong, her parents sent them to the U.S. to continue their studies and explore the world. Mary was a dedicated student and was extraordinarily bright and gifted in learning. She received her PhD in Chemistry from the University of Illinois in 1968 and became an assistant professor in Chemistry at the Thomas More College in Covington, Kentucky. That was when Mary joined the Chinese Bible Study Group in Cincinnati. In answering to God’s calling, Mary resigned her professorship at Thomas More in 1974 and dedicated her life to Christian missionary work, ministering to Chinese in Mainland China, Hong Kong, as well as in the Greater Cincinnati area. Mary travelled to China several times and had a couple of extended stays in Hong Kong when she spent time with her parents at home.

In 1985, Mary decided to serve full time as a minister at Cincinnati Chinese Church, with a focus in teaching and caring ministries. Mary was a dedicated and excellent teacher of the Bible. For decades she taught in both Mandarin and Cantonese classes. She readily and kindly responded to the needs of the congregation, especially by visiting them in times of needs and illness. She was a wonderful listener and counselor and comforted many in distress. As she was the only full-time lady minister, her responsibilities were huge and she was certainly called upon frequently. She was such a dedicated hard worker that she would often fall asleep at her desk trying to finish her work.

Because of her talent in languages (fluent as native in English, Cantonese and Mandarin) and her soft, sweet, loving and caring voice, she was frequently invited interpreter in Christian conferences in U.S. and overseas. She was a dedicated supporter for many missionaries and mission organizations across the world. She lived a very simple life herself but was extremely generous in her giving to church and mission organizations.

Mary retired in 2015 but continued to be an active member at church. Her devotion to God and those who are in need was inspiring and had set an exemplary role model for us to follow.

Memorial service for Mary will be held on March 26, 2022, 10:00am Eastern at:

Cincinnati Chinese Church at Mason
766 Reading Rd., Mason, OH 45040
The service will be available online at the same time:
https://www.youtube.com/user/CCCMason