Sutton Place Parks Conservancy announces the passing of beloved Tai-Chi teacher Hui Zhu "Henny" Yin (1929-2025)
Each morning, a dedicated group of Tai Chi practitioners gathers on the Sutton Place Parks promenade to engage in this ancient discipline. Their esteemed leader for the past five years, Henny, recently passed away at the age of 96. While her community will continue the tradition she established, her absence will be deeply felt. Below is a tribute to Henny, submitted by her Tai Chi family.
“We met Henny during Covid, when a small group would gather to do Tai Chi at 9 am in Sutton Place Park every morning. Masked, and socially distanced, we followed our Tai Chi leaders no matter what the weather, looking for a sense of connection during this time of isolation.
Henny, a feisty nonagenarian, with a beautiful smile, welcomed each new member who joined the group. Henny would stand toward the front so we could model her movements. Over time, Henny became the main leader of the group. A retired otolaryngologist and acupuncturist innovator, Henny would remind us of the health benefits of Tai Chi. She would tell us to hold in our stomachs and breathe. "Inhalation exhalation" was her mantra. With incredible energy and enthusiasm, Henny became our role model.
Henny held a party on September 29th to celebrate her 96th birthday. She took us to an Asian buffet restaurant in Queens and took such pleasure in having us with her, eating her favorite foods. It was almost as if she knew this would be the last time and she wanted us to know how much she loved us all.
Our gratitude and love for Henny is immeasurable. She taught us, she inspired us. She built a community of lasting friendship, but most of all, she loved us unconditionally. Henny left an indelible mark on the Sutton Place community, and her memory will live on as the Tai Chi group continues every morning in Sutton Place Park. We will remember Henny at Tai Chi, in the warmth of the summer sun, when the winter snows come, among the brilliant autumn leaves and in the glow of the new flowers in spring. We will always remember our Henny.
