Sohu.com reports the death of the late Chiang Kiashek's wife Song Meiling, at the grand old age of 105. She was living in the US. A mini bio accompanying the article summarizes her life from a certain point of view:

"Song Meiling was the celebrated wife of Chiang Kaishek and one of the legendary three Song sisters. She famously urged the peaceful resolution of the Xi'an incident, organized the initial early phase of the Chinese airforce in the anti-Japanese war, and together with her sisters organized entertainment for the Chinese forces during that war. Her speech to American Congress in 1943 was a major factor in garnering American logistic support for the war. In her later years, she contributed towards opposing Taiwanese independence. Although there were negative aspects of her life, in general she is worthy of her legendary status in Chinese history."

From left: Song Ailing, Song Qingling, Song Meiling

A extensive and balanced obituary by Seth Faison appeared in the New York Times. Click below on 'Continue reading...' for the original Chinese of the Sohu bio, a biography excerpted from an AP report, and a less restrained view from a blogger.

From Sohu.com (link may expire)

宋美龄女士生平

她是曾显赫一时的蒋介石的夫人，是传奇的宋氏三姐妹的一员。她曾力促西安事变的和平解决，亲手组建了抗战初期的中国空军，组织宋氏三姐妹抗战前线劳军。尤其值得一提的是，宋美龄1943年以其在美国国会的精采的演讲赢得对中国抗战至关重要的军用物资援助。宋美龄晚年对反对台独维护统一作出贡献。尽管宋美龄的一生也有消极的一面，但她总体上不愧为现代中国历史上一个传奇的女性。