In loving memory of
Yahong Zhang
Februay 5, 1969 – July 17, 2026
Virtual Celebration of Life
August 25, 2026
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Obituary of Yahong Zhang
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Yahong Zhang, who passed away peacefully on July 17, 2026, after a courageous and fiercely fought battle with cancer.
Yahong was a dedicated scholar, esteemed university professor, and accomplished professional whose career included notable contributions to the Bank of Canada, Western University, and the University of Windsor. Beyond her professional achievements, Yahong was known for her brilliant intellect, warmth, resilience, and unwavering commitment to her students, colleagues, and loved ones.
She is profoundly missed and lovingly remembered by her husband, Luc St-Martin; her parents, Zhixin Zhang and Jingru Wang; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Yaming Zhang & Li Shan, and Yaqi Zhang & Weili Wang; her nephews; her sister-in-law, Anne St-Martin; as well as her extended family, friends, colleagues, and former students around the world.
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We will miss you, Yahong. Your positive attitude was an encoragement for people around you. Thank you!
My deepest condolences to Luc, parents, and relatives.
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Dear Yahong,
You are a wonderful colleague and friend. You have a golden heart and personality. Thank you for being such a caring, warm-hearted, and kind person, always thinking of others. The department will not be the same without you. You will be truly missed.
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Yahong was my colleague when I worked at the Bank of Canada. I remember her as always cheerful and positive, even in situations that could sometimes be stressful. I did not know that she had been ill, and I am deeply saddened that she passed away far too soon. May she rest in peace.
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I was deeply saddened to learn of Yahong’s passing. I was fortunate to know her during our PhD years at Western, and I will always remember her kindness, calm presence, and warm smile. My heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones.
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I’m so saddened and still can’t believe that Yahong has passed away. We went through graduate school at Western together, and she gave me so much help and support, especially during our first year. She was always kind, generous, and positive. I will always treasure the memories of those years and the friendship we shared. It’s incredibly difficult to say goodbye. She was a wonderful friend, and she will be deeply missed.
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I am lucky enough to have met Yahong at Western and to have kept in touch somewhat over the years. She has always been the most kind and lovely person. I am at a loss for words, but my sincere condolences to her family. May her memory be a blessing.
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Yahong was one of our most distinguished PhD graduates. She was imaginative, hard working and very very smart. Her early death is a real tragedy. My thoughts are with her family and friends. I would like to offer sincere condolences. Jim Davies
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Yahong is the most beautiful soul i met in Windsor. Part of the reasons I missed Windsor so much is the warm colleague such as Yahong. I would never forgot the time we were camping at Wheatley. That’s my first camping trip in many years and on that trip we shared the good news I got the job. I still remember that special moment. We had good food in a Mexican restaurent. I would never forgot the million times we were gathering at your beatufiul ranch home where we had barbeque, nice music, cakes, and ice-cream and so much laugters. Whenever I come back to Windsor, one of the first things I want to do is email Yahong and say, “Let’s have another wonderful gathering!” Whether it is spending time in the woods, relaxing at your home, or simply taking a road trip together, I always look forward to those moments. Just knowing that we might get together again makes every trip back to Windsor something I truly look forward to.
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Dear Luc,
I am deeply saddened by Yahong’s passing. I still remember our gatherings every year around Christmas when Yahong and you were in Ottawa. Those were wonderful moments that I cherish deeply.
I always miss the times when Yahong offered thoughtful advice on my job market paper and shared valuable insights about my future career direction. Her guidance, kindness, and generosity meant a great deal to me.
I will always remember her warm smile and positive attitude. My thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with you and Yahong’s family during this difficult time.
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Dearest Yahong,
You were a rare peson who made everyone around you feel better. A brilliant mind, but above all a warm, generous, and deeply human friend.
We shared so much over the years: ideas, laughter, meals, long conversations over coffee. You would stop by my office just to chat, and those moments meant more than you probably knew.
I miss you terribly. I lost a dear friend, and I feel this emptiness every day.
Luc, thank you for creating this space for all of us who loved her. She was so lucky to have you, and Gulnaz and I holding you close in our hearts.
With love,
Nurlan
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Yahong and I went on the academic job market in the same year. We were both interviewed by Ryerson University at the CEEE. After her interview, she told me that I would have a good chance—and I did receive the job offer! I have always remembered her encouragement and optimism.
In 2006, when Yahong returned to Western for her PhD defense, we discussed meeting in Toronto on her way back to Ottawa. I told her, “Be sure to stop by so we can get together. I’m about to purchase my first home in Toronto, and you always bring me good luck.” This is a particularly warm memory that I will always cherish.
Over the years, we met again at different conferences and academic gatherings—in Toronto in 2009, Calgary in 2013, Western in 2016, and Shanghai in 2018. Every time I saw her, she was positive, warm, and full of energy. Her presence always brought a sense of joy and warmth to those around her.
It is very difficult to accept that she has passed away. Yahong was such a kind, brilliant, and collegial economist. Her elegance and beautiful smile remain vividly alive in my memory. She will be deeply missed.
My heart goes out to her family and loved ones during this very difficult time.
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Dear Luc, I had the privilege of being Yahong’s colleague and friend, and I can say with certainty that she made our Department of Economics a warmer, more inspiring place simply by being part of it. Her kindness, her intellectual curiosity, and her genuine care for those around her left a mark on all of us. I am grateful to have known her. Yahong was truly special and will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, her family and loved ones during this difficult time.
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Dear Luc, I was deeply saddened to hear about Yahong’s passing. My heart goes out to you and Yahong’s family during this incredibly difficult time. I feel so grateful for the times I shared with her at Western and at the Bank. Yahong and her smile will be deeply missed.
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Luc, my heart goes out to you and Yahong’s family during this difficult time. Wishing you strength, peace, and comfort in the days ahead. Sending you love and keeping you in my thoughts. Yahong was truly special and will be deeply missed.