By Ann L. Wiley | Fellow
Edline Chun, a longtime member of STC and the Rochester Chapter, died in Rochester in early February under tragic circumstances. Edline, a native of Hilo, HI, came to Rochester to attend college and remained for the rest of her life. She was a petite woman, very gentle, kind, and always focused on the best interests of others. I met Edline over 30 years ago when she was the publications manager for a company in Rochester and we worked together. Edline invited me to join STC in late 1983. I am forever grateful to Edline for her role in what became one of the most significant involvements of my life.
Following a career in corporate technical communication, Edline taught professional and technical communication for more than 20 years at the Rochester Institute of Technology. She was highly respected as an editor and educator, and as a community volunteer. She was also an artist and deeply involved in Rochester’s Hawaiian community.
Nearly a dozen community organizations benefitted from Edline’s work as a volunteer, including Sojourner House, a refuge for battered women, and NeighborWorks Rochester, where she had been a board member for 29 years.
Colleagues in these organizations call Edline caring and giving, passionate about the things she cared about, insightful, and approachable, able to meet everyone on their own level.
While many people in the community knew Edline, she was unassuming about the work she was doing, and one close colleague at RIT reported he had no idea of the extent of her involvement.
In Rochester-area Hawaiian cultural and performing groups, Edline often served as a mentor to younger community members. Friends remember her as "full of the aloha spirit."
Students at the Rochester Institute of Technology made a video for Edline’s memorial service, recognizing her for teaching and helping "hundreds of students and community members on their journey through life." A colleague observed that "the breadth and diversity of her talents are only eclipsed by the legacy of her generous spirit." She was a demanding and devoted teacher, present "all the time." Students regarded Edline as a good friend.
Edline enjoyed gardening and painting in tempera and she loved artwork. Her works were displayed annually in a local library. Friends plan a memorial in the sculpture garden of Rochester’s Memorial Art Gallery, where contributions may be made in Edline’s memory.
Edline’s passing reminds us that the strength of STC is in its members, whose many talents and accomplishments we too often do not know, and of the great gift of friendships made in STC. Our best tribute to Edline is to appreciate those friendships and encourage and support each other, as she encouraged and supported everyone she knew.
Very nice, Ann. Thank you.