With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Alice Yuan-Ning Lou Chance, beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, friend, and educator, who passed away on January 11, 2025, at the age of 88. Alice was a woman of great intellect and boundless warmth, with a genuine curiosity about the world and everyone she met.

Alice was born on November 10, 1936, in Nanking, China, to Shih-Woo Lou, a communications engineer, and Sao-Chen Wong Lou, a medical doctor. She grew up in Hong Kong, the eldest of four siblings, and graduated from Punching Middle School in 1954. Shortly after, Alice immigrated to the United States to study at Pepperdine College (now Pepperdine University), and the University of California, Los Angeles, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, and a Master of Science and PhD in Physics. It was during her time at UCLA that she met and fell in love with an engineering student, Dudley Chance, whom she married on August 8, 1968. The newlyweds moved to Danbury, then settled in Newtown, where they built their home and raised their family, and were by each other’s side throughout 56 years of marriage.

Alice committed her professional life to teaching. She was a dedicated professor of physics, first at University of Bridgeport (1968-1992) and then at Western Connecticut State University (1992-2016), where she also served as the chair of her department for several years. Alice was very devoted to her students and, after retiring, she continued to take great pride in hearing of her former students’ successes long after they had graduated.

Alice’s generosity of spirit left a profound impression on all who knew her, whether it was a colleague, a student, a friend, or a family member. She radiated an infectious enthusiasm for life, always ready to offer a listening ear, sharing in the joys and challenges of others. She will be greatly missed.

Alice’s younger brother, David, died in 1999. She is survived by her beloved husband, Dudley; her daughter, Frances of Albuquerque, New Mexico; her sisters, Betty of Corvallis, Oregon, and Cathy, of San Jose, California; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family who were dear to her.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, February 2, from 1 to 2 pm, at Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street in Newtown, followed by a memorial service at 2 pm.

Memorial donations in Alice’s name may be made to Western Connecticut State University, in support of students interested in physics.

The Newtown Bee January 24, 2025