Jennifer May Ling Chin

Jennifer May Ling Chin, born Dec 23, 1977 in Chicago, IL, died of accidental drowning (possibly following a seizure) on Aug 9, 2021 while visiting family in Akron, Ohio.

Irreverent, sardonic, crass, and kitsch, Jenny was also, loyal, strong, passionate, and fierce. When Jenny loved you, you knew you were loved and loved hard, and she, in turn, was well loved in her foreshortened life.

Jenny held a B.A. from Earlham College and an M.Ed. from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). She taught High School in Chicago Public Schools for the past 13 years where she also coached  boys’ soccer and, briefly, debate. She was a proud Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) member and Union Rep for South Shore International College Prep where she taught History.

Jenny was dedicated to the cause of fairness for teachers and safe learning environments in schools. She was an outspoken advocate for both civil rights and gay rights.  In her own words:

“I came of age in an era where being biracial and gay was seen as an oddity. Regardless of these obstacles, I wanted to be true to myself while proving to others that diversity can enrich the world. While I could have focused on the negative views and actions of others, I decided to use the abilities I have to illustrate that under a great deal of pressure great things can happen. I realize that all people struggle regardless of age, gender, or social class and that the only way to solve the social, racial, political, and economic inequities we face is to be honest, work hard, and form coalitions.”

Left to grieve, love, and remember are: her beloved wife and partner of nearly 17 years Sarah Baranoff, father Ben Chin, mother Diane Chin, brother Danny Mizialko, aunt Mable Chin, uncle Roy Chin, and family of the heart Arthur & Susan Baranoff & Jane Hull, Stefan & Lori Baranoff, Ray & Sue Donovan, and Grandma Sally Mueller. Fur babies Charlotte & Cowboy will miss her dearly. Jenny’s absence leaves a hole in the hearts of the wider Chin, Mizialko, Baranoff, Mueller, Hull, and Anich families, of her family of CTU members, and of the many, many who counted her as friend.

Cremation has already taken place. Memorial Gatherings to be announced. Remember Jenny by donating to one of the following:

The Animal Welfare League https://animalwelfareleague.com/store/product/in-honor-of/
The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago https://getinvolved.epilepsychicago.org/give/207189/#!/donation/checkout
The Children & Teachers Foundation of the Chicago Teachers Union https://5077337.app.netsuite.com/core/media/media.nl?id=1547&c=5077337&h=b03786c1bac43691db2d&_xt=.html

Drink some whiskey. Light a leg lamp. Read some Steinbeck. Fill your yard with hydrangeas. Wear a Red Sox hat. Rescue a dog. Live large. Love hard. Get vaccinated! Be safe.

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N. Miller Road  Akron, OH  44333.