The Tribute Wall

The Tribute Wall on Iris’s Obituary Page

See messages and posts on the Tribute Wall on Iris’s Obituary Page, Echovita Page, and Tribute Archive Page.

Condolence Cards Sent to Iris’s Family

• Cards from Lakeside School faculty, coach, and students and their families

Message	From
December 15th, 2025 Dear Chiping, Qi and Colin, I have an amazing photo of Iris when she was a freshman at Lakeside on the novice crew team. She had been sculling in a quad with four of her teammates on April Fools Day of 2022. They got caught in a tricky position in the Sammamish Slough and flipped their boat into the icy-cold water. They were laughing so hard as we tried to right the boat and get the five of them into the tin can launch that I was driving! So much laughter as I reminded them of how amazing they were on this April Fools Day. We shivered and laughed all the way back to the boathouse. I will send you the photo I have of that amazing day as Iris’ smile is so brilliant — the memory brings me such joy! Iris brought me joy and her “Paper Plate Award” from that year truly captured her — “The Swimming Duck” — “calm on the surface — working hard underneath.” Iris was a delight to coach and I loved watching her grow as a rower and teammate as she progressed through her years on varsity crew. I’m so sorry for Iris’ struggles… She must have had to “work hard underneath” while trying to look “calm on the surface.” I so wish I could have been helpful to Iris during her difficulties. May Iris rest in peace now and may she glide on her back in a leisurely backstroke while she gazes at beauty all around her without needing to put her face under water! And may you, her dear parents and brother, rest in peace knowing that Iris has peace. I grieve for you and please know that I am holding you, your whole family and all of Iris’ friends in my heart. With great sympathy and wishes for your solace,	Coach D. L.
To Qi and Chiping, I am incredibly sorry for your loss. Iris was a wonderful, kind, humorous, and creative student who I am so grateful to have taught for three years. The love in her heart shone bright and touched so many. I’m wishing your family peace during this time.	A. S.
Dear Qi and Chiping, I’m so deeply sorry for your loss. I feel so lucky to have been able to know Iris and see her beautiful spirit during her years at Lakeside. She was such a light in this world and she will be dearly missed.	A. C.
Dear Iris, you were such an inspiration to me, and I am so grateful for your friendship. I remember really looking up to you, and still do, for your strength in knowing who you are and what you believe in. I wish I got a chance to tell you this, because you mean so much to me as a friend. I’m so happy that I got a chance to know you and be your friend. You are so incredibly artistically talented and so funny. I’m so grateful for the little short, silly moments we shared in the Lakeside school, where you drew on the whiteboards or on small pieces of paper. I’m grateful for our moments in crew when we first got to know each other. Thank you so much Iris. I am so happy you are my friend.	J. B.
I’m so, so sorry for your loss. I rowed with Iris on the crew team last year and she was such an incredibly kind teammate, who always made the other freshman and me feel welcome. I hope your memories of her bring you peace during this impossible time. Sincerely,	J. B.
I remember Iris as someone who was always kind and patient. Iris was a friend to all; she would be there to help, to listen, to smile or simply be present to share in someone’s happiness, sadness, or confusion. As a person of true integrity and honesty, Iris showed up as her full self, always to the best of her abilities and always with that same sweet smile—unless she had a sly joke, then it was a smile with an eye twinkle! I am so sorry for your loss and for the world’s loss. We all needed Iris.	Coach B.
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Tang, We are so sorry for your loss. Iris and I were in classes together and I sat next to her in our junior year U.S. history class. She was kind and made others feel welcome and comfortable. I will always remember Iris and her warm smile and laugh. We are thinking of you with heartfelt condolences,	N. L.
To the Tang family, Iris was one of the nicest people to me when I joined crew. I was a novice, and she was one of the only upperclassmen to go out of her way to make us (me and the other novice girls) feel welcome. Even after we became rookies on the UG squad, she was always one of the people I knew I could count on to ask a clarifying question or to explain a drill, because she would do so with a smile and without judgement. While I didn’t know her very well outside of crew, I had the privilege of being in a few of her boats and thought she was a very good rower, but more importantly an incredibly kind, collaborative person. I was very sorry to hear of her passing, and I am so, so sorry for your loss. I will remember her as someone who always tried to do her best in all aspects of her life, and will think of her, especially as I try to emulate what she did for me to others. All my love and prayers.
To the Tang family, Iris was one of my very first friends at Lakeside. When I joined the swim team with her she was such a warm, welcoming presence with a beautiful smile. She made school swimming and crew a better, happier place and I will always be grateful to her for that. Thank you for raising someone who meant so much to so many of us. Thinking of your family during this difficult time. With deepest sympathy, To Iris: I will always miss your Garfield drawings, our strange conversations in the boat and rowing with you. You were a light in my life. Love,	T. C.
Dear Tang Family, I would like to express my sympathy and support for your loss. I knew Iris as not just a teammate, but also a friend. She was someone who loved every detail of life in her calm, compassionate nature. To me, she was a foundation of support during my first year on the crew team, and someone I could trust and call a friend during a time when I felt judged and scared. She was always there for her friends, whether in a Garfeld, playing games, or being there to cheer them on. When I remember her, I think of her warm smile she brings everywhere, and her incredible focus to every practice. As her cox and someone who got to watch her grow, she was one of the hardest working and most inspiring people I knew. She wouldn’t settle at any challenge, and I would always trust her to keep on trying. She was such a special person to everyone she’d meet, and I’m deeply saddened by her passing. I’m very sorry for your loss, and Iris will forever be in my thoughts and prayers. I know this an incredibly difficult time, and I’d like to offer all my love. I feel so lucky to have gotten to know her, and I will carry her memories in my heart. With my deepest sympathy,	T. D.
Dear Iris’ family, I am so sorry for your loss. I first met Iris when I was in 8th grade and she was in 9th grade during our novice year of crew. From the first instant I met her, I knew she carried all the qualities of an incredible person. She was smart, funny, kind, and hard‑working. I continued to see this over our 4 years on the team together, especially on our trip to nationals. Iris was an integral part of the quad and made every practice and race memorable. She was someone I looked up to and admired now much more than words can even express. I am incredibly lucky to have met her, and she made such a profound impact on my life and everyone she met. She will be missed. My deepest condolences. With love,	D. N.
Dear Qi, Chiping, and Colin, When [my daughter S.] told me the news, I couldn’t stop crying. Although I hadn’t had the chance to spend a lot of time with Iris… your daughter was a light of sunshine and joy to [S.]. She was a gentle soul who was a wonderful listener with a sweet sense of humor. When [S.] was having a rough day, running into Iris made it better. [S.] was so grateful they were in advisory together… were often seatmates for crew and with [A.] she was [S.]’s best friend where they loved thrifting together and was on texting her more than [S.] did my husband or I. [S.] didn’t feel the same when Iris was gone for those months in high school and worried about her constantly as did so many students because of the joy Iris brought to many. I was so fortunate to spend time with Iris on [S.]’s birthday… the laughter from her on our scavenger hunt boat ride, her extreme politeness even though we treated everyone to clothing at a thrift store that she didn’t want to purchase too much, and her joy at the improv comedy club. → [S.]’s grandparents were fortunate to meet her as well and she was so polite making conversation. My father was struck at what a serene, gentle and pure soul at her age. At the end of the night, I was asking Iris if she was sure she wanted to go so far from home since we were worried too with [S.]… She mentioned how much she loved you all but was excited about maturing. I told her that we were thinking of moving closer to [S.] and she mentioned that her papa was thinking of something similar too. But gave a hug to me and was excited on the new adventure… Iris was an amazing soul and feel so fortunate to have met her and for her to be so present in [S.]’s lives. My heart aches for all of you. Love,	Mum of S.
Iris was such a beloved member of the team, both by her coaches & her teammates. She brought so much joy to practice every day. I was lucky to have gotten the chance to coach her. I remember one day on the launch she shared with me her terrific taste in music. She was such an incredibly wonderful kid. I’m never going to forget the time I spent working with her. I thought about drawing a Garfield here like she always used to do on our whiteboards, but frankly she was so good at it that I couldn’t fill those shoes. With love,	Coach S.
Qi; Chiping: Sorry for your loss, Iris was so thoughtful and gentle presence. I still remember her kindness and her warm smile when we studied math together at our house. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Our thoughts with your family during this difficult time.	O. N. and family
Dear Tang family, We are so sorry about your loss. Iris was a wonderful girl and one of [A.]’s closest friends for 8 years. She will be sorely missed but we, and [A.] in particular, will remember her forever. We wish you strength to deal with this incredible loss. With condolences,	A. V. and family
Dear Tang Family, We are very sorry for your loss. Iris was such a kind and caring person. We are very grateful to know her and to spend time together with Iris. We always remember Iris’ smile and laugh at regattas and practices. We’ll be thinking of your family.	K. M.
Dear Chiping, Qi and Colin, I will always remember Iris’ beautiful, smiling face on commencement day. She brought a spark to those around her with her intelligence and inspired with her art. I am so grateful that I got to witness her strength, courage and patience even through her suffering. Her love for her family was clear. Her spirit is peaceful. May you all find comfort during this time. Sincerely,	Counselor S. S.
Dear Tang family, my deepest condolences. I looked up to Iris a lot throughout the time I knew her, and she was a true friend and wonderful, supportive mentor. I love her dearly and will miss her forever. The light she brought to my life through her joy and Garfield drawings continues to shine, and I think of her when I row and swim. She was a beautiful soul, and I’m so sorry for your loss.	S. H.
My deepest condolences for your loss. Iris was one of the most welcoming and brilliant people I had the pleasure of getting to know at Lakeside. She will be greatly missed.	M. V. H.
Dec. 18, 2025 Dear Tang Family, I wanted to send you my deepest condolences and let you know how devastated I am to lose Iris. She was my friend, teammate, and classmate for many years at Lakeside, and I will always remember her kindness—truly like nobody else. I first really got to know her in sixth grade, when we were in the same advisory, and I’d start every morning saying hi to her. She has always been a calm, kind, and steady presence in my life. I loved getting to know her even better through crew in high school. She was an incredibly hard worker, a supportive teammate, and a joy to be around. And great at steering, too! One memory I hold very close is when we got to be in a double together, with Iris in the bow doing the steering (thankfully, since I was terrible at going straight!). I got nervous as we zig-zagged in the tippy boat up the slough, but Iris kept us safe the whole time and reassured me I was doing great. She was always so encouraging, supportive, and really a fundamental part of our team culture. Another of my favorite memories is walking down the prom aisle with her. We were both nervous to go alone, so we went together, and Iris was the one who convinced me to do it— and later sent me the photos, which I am so grateful for. I have so many wonderful memories with her over the years. There was our sea kayaking outdoor trip together, where we kayaked together as many days as the trip leaders would let us (they insisted we mix it up sometimes!). There was our summer computer science class over Zoom, where I remember everyone started spamming “This is amazing” in our class group chat as soon as Iris started presenting her final project, an impeccable recipe tracker. There were her beautiful drawings I’d see on classroom whiteboards every time I walked into my last period class. There was our time in Utopias and Dystopias this summer… Sometimes, when I face a difficult situation, I ask myself what Iris would do. I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I know how profoundly Iris impacted my life. She will always live on in my thoughts and continue to guide me. I miss Iris so much. Her kindness and calm demeanor meant the world to me. I really remember last spring, where she always shared thoughtful insights on absurd things. I think of the place where we would walk and talk during class breaks. I think of the time in early May, with her in one of her bright sundresses, sitting in the sun without worrying about anything, just sitting together peacefully in the weather. I remember how good she was at guitar, playing very difficult songs together with our friends. I really miss her laughter and the sunny warmth Iris brought into the room. With deepest sympathy,	A. F.
Dear Tang family, My name is [T.] and I am a sophomore at Lakeside. I knew Iris through the swim and dive team. Although I was new to the team last year, Iris’s calm and steady presence made me feel safe and welcome. I feel so lucky to have met her. Please accept my condolences. Yours truly,	T. N.
Iris’s passing has deeply impacted the Lakeside community, because Iris deeply impacted our community. She will be remembered forever. Sending love to your family during this impossible time.	A. O.
Over the last couple of weeks, so many memories have flooded back of Iris in the drawing & painting studios — both moments of her creating incredible pieces and times when she was simply enjoying down time with friends. I can picture her laughing and planning Art Club with [I.] on the bean bags as well as working diligently on that exquisite watercolor-and-collage of the figure with the rabbit. I spent some time looking through Iris’s online portfolio, which is still stored on my Google Drive, and it took me on a journey through her high school years in the program. I was struck by how many of her works have appeared on my canvas pages and curriculum overviews as examples for students to aspire to— from her stunning self‑portrait in oil crayon, an acrylic landscape, a wild, spontaneous splatter, her larger than life charcoal portrait—this list goes on and on. She was a remarkable artist. She was also humble, thoughtful and kind— a wonderful classmate, teammate, and community member. I am so saddened by her loss and the struggles she faced. Words feel inadequate. I always hoped art might give her a space to express her ideas and emotions, to provide solace, and help her process whatever she was experiencing. I hope she felt that, and I know she left us with these beautiful artifacts of her deep creative soul. Please accept my heartfelt condolences ❤️	K. C.
12/10/2025 Dear Tang family, Iris was a phenomenal Robotics and Physics student. She was always prepared and focused. Despite being quiet, she was very funny, and her humor made learning truly enjoyable. Her drawings of Garfield were beloved in Advanced Physics! Iris’s peers refused to let me erase them unless I took photos and uploaded the images to Canvas. As a result, Garfield became the unofficial mascot of Advanced Physics, and I have many photos of Iris’s funny drawings. Iris was beloved by students, teachers, and the whole Lakeside community. May her memory be eternal. Kindly,	D. D.-F.
Dear Qi and Chiping, I am holding you and Iris in my thoughts through this very difficult time. Will forever remember her beautiful spirit, kind smile and generous sharing through all her art and math work. We miss her terribly at Lakeside, and want to send my deepest condolences.	A. B.

• Cards from Olin faculty and students

Message	From
We send our deepest condolences to you, your family, your friends, and all those who loved and admired Iris. Our community and our lives were enriched by Iris’s presence at Olin. We send you our deep-felt hopes that you may hold tightly your memories of your cherished years with Iris. Iris brought warmth, intelligence, care, and curiosity. She created friendships and community here and we will remember her fondly for years to come.	Olin faculty and students
To the Tang family— I am writing to you to express my deepest sympathy for you all during this very difficult time. Iris provided light & warmth to all at Olin—we’re all so sorry for our loss of Iris, & especially for yours. With my condolences, Sincerely,	Professor C. L.
Dear Chiping and Qi – My deepest condolences on an unimaginable loss. I pray that you find comfort in the arms of those who love you and Iris’ memory remains a light during this dark time. Thinking of you	P. C.
Dear Iris’s Family, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. While I did not know her personally, I’ve heard so many beautiful stories about her and how amazing she is. Knowing she was from my hometown (Seattle), I can’t express how much I value her presence across multiple communities. Through the rain, and sunsets, sunrises, clouds, and beautiful environment that surrounds us everywhere, Iris is in it. She always will be. She has an amazing and caring soul that will NEVER be lost. You are all strong and forever welcome in the Olin community. With love & care,	M. C.
Iris,   I only talked with you once. You were drawing your D+D character. I know the impact you made on people. Your joy and humor live on today in everyone’s memories.   I’m not very religious anymore, but may God bless you, your family and your friends.	C. C.
Dear Iris and family, Thank you for choosing and coming to Olin. I’ve enjoyed spending time with you, especially with filming that ModSim “tiktok” with you hitting Ben with J.D. Vance after explaining the elif statement. I wish I could’ve seen more of your drawings, that Garfield in West Hall was legendary. I hope you’re able to find some peace, wherever you are. It was an honor to be a part of your life,	R. C.

• Cards from family friends

Message	From
Aunt Qi, Uncle Tang & Colin – We are so sorry for your loss. YueYue was an incredible daughter, sister & friend. She will be remembered always. Our family is sending you so many thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Always,	J. W. & T. W.
Dear Iris, You were always such a sweet and intelligent person, and I miss you every day. I’ll always remember your art, your happiness, and your smile. Your light lives on in my heart.	J. L.
亲爱的张琦，老唐， 惊闻你们的女儿骤然离世的噩耗，我们的心都碎了。 虽然我们未曾谋面Iris，但读了她的Obituary & Tribute Wall，认识了一个聪明过人，才华出众，善良，有着灿烂笑容的好孩子。虽然她离开得太早太早，但她带给家人和朋友的爱和光亮将永远照在人们的心上。 我们想告诉你们，我们每天都在惦念着你们。请你们在无尽的思念中照顾好自己。 愿逝者安息，生者坚强。 请再次接受我们最深切的哀悼和关怀。	L. & J. W.

Also see shared memories on the Story page.

Join the Tribute Wall

The tribute wall is a space for reflection and remembrance. Share your thoughts and memories of Iris with others.