Chanyoung (Lee) Shader was born December 31, 1962 in Seoul, South Korea to Hyun Taek Lee and Dong Ok Jung. She transitioned to her heavenly home on October 25, 2019 due to complications from cancer.
As a child she enjoyed spending time on her grandparents’ farm where she enjoyed watching her grandmother make noodles by hand, being treated to fresh roasted chestnuts, and wandering around talking to the villagers. Her curiosity led her, at the age of four, to eagerly peer into a school window to see what the older children were doing. The teacher rewarded her curiosity by invited her in, and Chanyoung’s lifelong journey of learning began.
Chanyoung was an avid reader; she was especially drawn to the drama of world history. She won several awards for her scholarship and writing. She also enjoyed playing and listening to classical music. She studied Mathematics at Yonsei University. During this time she played piano and sang in her church choir.
At a young age Chanyoung showed an adventuresome spirit. When asked as a youngster to draw a house, she always drew a rustic cabin and steep mountains neither of which is found in Seoul. This spirit led her to the U.S. to study Mathematics. She completed her PhD in Mathematics at the University of Wisconsin Madison and joined the UWyo Math Department in 1992. Her research concerned finding illuminating ways to understand the mathematical behavior of super Lie Algebras—the underlying mathematics of String Theory.
Chanyoung and Bryan shared an office in graduate school and they quickly became friends. They were married in 1992. Their daughter Sarah was born in 1996 and immediately became Chanyoung’s passion and delight.
In recent months, Chanyoung imagined in her mind new landscapes as described in Psalm 18:19, “He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.” She is survived by her husband Bryan Shader, daughter Sarah Shader, and her parents and siblings (Eun-Young, Jin-Young and Kaun-Young), and her sister-in-law (Soni Huffman) and their families.
In Korean, Chanyoung means “Forever Brilliant,” and friends and family will remember her gracefulness in all that she did, smile and laugh, beautiful soprano voice, love of classical music, commitment to her students’ learning, pursuit of new beautiful mathematics, caring for others, and delight in her daughter.
Chanyoung and Bryan are greatly appreciative of all those who helped them through her illness. They thank the doctors, nurses and staff at the Laramie’s Meredith and Jeannie Ray Cancer Center, and the UCHealth Cancer Centers in Fort Collins and Denver. Dr. Miho Scott’s knowledge, wisdom, compassion and friendship were a tremendous help.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 16 at Grace Baptist Church (1603 E. Garfield) in Laramie.
Those wishing to make contributions in honor of Chanyoung may make them to MathPath (a nationwide program for students age 11-14 who show a promise for and love of mathematics) at http://www.mathpath.org.
Dear Dr. Shader, I was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of your wife; though I never got to meet her, if she was anything like you I know she brightened the world of everyone she came across. I look forward to meeting her in glory! Please be well in your time of grief.
We send our deepest sympathy to Chanyoung's family. We remember the great times we shared together. She will always be in our hearts. We know she is in a better place. Rest peacefully, Chanyoung.
We send our deepest sympathy to Chanyoung's family. We remember the great times we shared together. She will always be in our hearts. We know she is in a better place. Rest peacefully, Chanyoung.
We send our deepest sympathy to Chanyoung's family. We remember the great times we shared together. She will always be in our hearts. We know she is in a better place. Rest peacefully, Chanyoung.
We will keep your smile in mind. May God peace you and your family.
밝게 웃던 모습을 항상 기억하겠습니다. 가족께 위로를 전합니다.
Our hearts are filled with sorrow upon hearing the news of ChanYoung"s passing. But the happy memories that we’ve shared with her will stay alive in our hearts and in our minds. Farewell, our friend, until we meet again in our Father's House. Our prayers will be with Bryan and Sarah.
Thinking of your family during this time of deep loss. Peace be with you all.
I was Sarah's Kindergarten teacher and am so sad for your loss. I am thinking of you. Sarah Heyen
Bryan and family~~~thinking of you at this very sad time. Know she is at peace, and in a better place. Sue Woirhaye
I am so very sorry for your lost. She was a wonderful wife, mother, and professor. She has inspired many girls into math and science
When I was a new graduate student in Madison, Chanyoung was one of the established graduate students we all looked up to. We appreciated her grace and caring spirit, and her willingness to share with us advice on everything from complicated ideas in Lie Algebras to how to be better educators. She remains a person of inspiration for me to this day. My heart is with Bryan and Sarah.
My condolences, Bryan and Sarah. May Chanyoung rest in peace and her spirit guide you in life.
Dear Bryan and Sarah- You are in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time. David and Mary Jones
Bryan- my deepest condolences to you and Sarah. John Hilim
Rest easy, Chanyoung. Peace be with you.