Tien-Yin Chao

Tien-yin Chao of Roseville, Minnesota, peacefully went to be with the Lord Jesus on March 19, 2026. Tien-yin was known as Mama Chao in her home church, Minnesota Faith Chinese Lutheran Church, as well as her home church in Taiwan. Mama Chao was born in Chang-Yi, Shandong, China on December 29, 1926. She became a believer of Jesus at the age of six when a lady minister stayed in her home. She attended a Lutheran high school in China. God graciously saved Mama Chao's life multiple times during war and difficult times. She moved to Taiwan, continued nursing school and became a registered nurse and a midwife in Taiwan. Mama Chao married Shih-Wei Chao in 1951. Together, they raised 3 children in Taipei, Taiwan. Mama Chao's first job was as the head nurse of three departments in a large hospital in Taiwan. Later, she opened her own midwife practice and delivered many babies. If a family cannot afford the fees, she told them: "I come here to save lives of the adult and the baby. If you do not have money to pay me, I will waive your fee." She continued providing care services to the delivered baby for days until the baby was completely ready for the family's own care. After her own children were born, she sacrificed her own career and stayed home to raise them. Mama Chao has always been a fighter, striving to be the best and actively pursuing what she believes and always trusting the Lord to pave the way and to protect her. She extended her hands to neighbors who needed help. Once her children grew up, she started going back to school to study real estate law. Mama Chao's husband went to be with the Lord in 1980. Afterwards she supported all her children coming to the U.S. for education. When she was in Taiwan by herself, she started learning acupuncture and became a Certified Acupuncture Practitioner. She also started learning English. She was always the most senior student in the class, and she excelled at all her learnings. In 1991 Mama Chao moved to the U.S. to be with her children. She continued to take English classes and attend church services. She loved spending time with her children and being outdoors. She loved to draw. She also enjoyed music. For years, she wrote scripture passages on notebooks every day. Looking back, a happiest moment in life was probably when she took her grandkids to a class reunion and gathering with friends. Her grandkids also love her back. Mama Chao was kind, gracious, gentle, and determined and strong at the same time. Mama Chao loved the Lord, her family and friends. Mama Chao was also deeply loved by the Lord, her dear family and friends. Mama Chao will always be very precious to her family. Mama Chao is survived by her son Yee-Ching and daughter-in-law Yet-Sen of Boston, Massachusetts, daughters I-Shan Grace and I-Sung of Roseville, Minnesota. Grandchildren Daniel, Matthew, and Gloria. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday March 28 at Washburn-McReavy Funeral Home Shoreview Chapel, with visitation from 10am-11am and service from 11am-12:30pm, followed by a reception.

Tributes

Tien-Yin Chao

December 29, 1926 - March 19, 2026

Tributes

Tien-Yin Chao

December 29, 1926 - March 19, 2026

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