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Rachel Hoag

11/01/1980
12/09/2022

On Friday December 9th, 2022, Rachel Hoag formerly known as Jing Li, at the age of 42, passed away and joined her mother, Shanghua Lin who passed away earlier this year. She leaves behind her husband, Flynn; and her 3 dogs, Uhtred, Harper, and Athena. She was born in Kunming China in the year of the monkey which she attributed her wits, curiosity, and craftiness too. She studied art and design at the Yunnan Art University where she received her BA, and then proceeded to earn her Master’s in Fine Arts from Tsinghua University and her Master’s in Business Administration from Johnson and Wales University.

Rachel Hoag was a beautiful woman who had brought joy and happiness to the lives of many. She worked as the division head of the Arts department for Yunnan Art University, managing the curriculum and assisting students with their work. While in China she had sold some of her paintings including one to former European Commission President, Jose Manuel Barroso. After moving to the United States, she began working as an art teacher for the YY Art Center and the Cre8 Art School area schools teaching art to younger children. She loved to work with nature and recycled materials for her artwork and dreamed of opening her own school focused on it one day. After she moved to Italy, she worked for the Child Development Center where she continued to bring her joy for art into the lives of the students.

Rachel was an active member of the San Diego Chinese Art and Cultural Society where she dedicated much of her time helping others develop their artistic talents. She always wished to travel and see the world, and during the last 2 years of her life she was able to live in Europe and travel around and seeing the stunning waters of Lampedusa, the brilliant lights of Budapest, the majestic countryside of Scotland, and beautiful flowers in the countryside of southern France. She enjoyed experiencing the culture and tasting all the different foods. Rachel gave of herself many times to help others whether by cooking for them or encouraging their dreams.

She is survived by her many uncles, aunts, and cousins along with her godparents and her many family members by marriage. She will be missed by her family members and friends who all remember her bright smile, warm hugs, and the happiness that came from her every day.

Visitation will be held from 2-4PM on Saturday, December 17, 2022, at Roth-Gerst Chapel, 305 N. Hudson, Lowell, MI 49331, with another visitation on from 1-3PM on Sunday, December 18, 2022 at the funeral home, with funeral services starting at 3PM. Following services, there will be a time of fellowship and food at the Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce, 113 Riverwalk Plaza, Lowell, MI 49331. Services will be livestreamed the Roth-Gerst Funeral Home Facebook page.

Memorial Contributions can be made to the Sigonella Animal Welfare Society at

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or the San Diego Chinese Art and Cultural Society at http://sdchineseartcultural.org/donate.

Make a Contribution

Memorial Contributions:

Sigonella Animal Welfare Society 

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or

San Diego Chinese Art and Cultural Society 

http://sdchineseartcultural.org/donate.

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11 Responses

  1. I will carry you every day in my heart. Thank you for the warmth and light you brought to our lives every day.

  2. Stars are bright and beautiful. As you get closer stars become suns, giving off warm life sustaining energy. Rachel was a sun for the people around her. She greeted everyone with a warm smile and a loving hug. I know this to be true because I saw how much love was given back to her by friends and family these past weeks. I watched as she was surrounded by love and prayers in hopes that she would recover. The great thing about love is it is not diminished in its giving, but is instead grows with each passing. The love Rachel gave to us will always be with us as long as we continue to share it with each other.

  3. Rachel, you were such a kind neighbor. you welcomed us to marinai with open arms. You invited me in to meet your beautiful dogs and we just chatted for what seemed a few minutes but was truly a few hours. I will remember you as one of the kindest people I have ever met. And a person who loved her dogs more than anything. Rest in peace

  4. I will remember Rachel for her smile and sweet personality. Her gift of art and creativity was always evident. Gone too soon, the world will be a little darker without her.

  5. Rachel was such a blessing for me. I knew her in Sigonella for a season only. We always talked Art, as artists do. She was a phenomenal artist and shared some of her fiber art works which are a permanent collection.
    She had so much love for others. She loved her husband and her 4-legged dogs! She was brave and set the course of her life far from her birthplace.
    I was lucky to know Rachel, if only for a season. She was one of the truest hearts I have ever known.

    My prayers for Rachel continue, for Flynn, her family and friends. I know your loss is so large.

    Love, Laura

  6. My sweet friend. I am so thankful for the opportunity to have met you. I will forever miss your sweet voice and your hug every time we saw each other. We had so many plans many trips and things to do together that it hurts so much. I still can’t believe you are gone but I have to understand that God needed an angel and he chose you . You were beautiful inside and out Rest In Peace my dear friend I will forever have you in my heart.

  7. Rachel,
    You are the most beautiful person I ‘ve ever known. I thought we would have more fun together until we will be both very old. I will have you in my heart as my angel forever. See you again and have laugh together someday.

  8. My beautiful friend, I thank God for finding you on my way and having shared such beautiful moments. I will never forget your warm hugs and that radiant smile that characterized you. I still can’t believe that you’ve already left for that paradise that you enjoy today next to your beloved mother. I will carry you in my heart forever my dear and unforgettable angel. love you.❤️❤️❤️????????

  9. Flynn, I am so saddened by the loss of your wife Rachael. You are always in a special place in my heart, and my prayers go out for you and your family. Peace.

  10. Rachel, I’m so sorry I never got to meet you in person. I have so enjoyed watching your adventures with Flynn from afar. You were and will remain a bright light in the extended Hoag family of which I am privileged to be a part. I planned to surprise Flynn in Italy and meet your beautiful face. But through the Hoag family, I feel I already have. Thank you for spending your time here making this crazy world a more beautiful place.

  11. Dear Rachel, you have no idea how much we will miss you.
    When my wife and I met you and Flynn, it was like the beginning of a new Chapter in our life. A Chapter full of friends, travels, parties, lunches, dinners, movies, shopping, shooting-star watching, moon-cake cooking, … fun and joy for life! A Chapter that has ended prematurely, because your life has been ripped away from you.
    Our family is getting bigger now, but you are gone. You have no idea how much we will miss you.

    Dear Rachel, we are thankful to have met you and that we lived the time we had to the fullest.

    Dear Flynn,
    there is still someone who loves you here in Sicily. Someone who is waiting for you to continue on the lifepath that Rachel, so patiently and joyfully, had been laying down.

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Make a Contribution

Memorial Contributions:

Sigonella Animal Welfare Society 

pa********@gm***.com %20″> pa********@gm***.com

or

San Diego Chinese Art and Cultural Society 

http://sdchineseartcultural.org/donate.