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CELIA CHEN Obituary


CHEN CELIA CHENG HSUAN CHEN A retired scientist and a resident of Silver Spring, MD, died unexpectedly at home at the age of 76 on October 30, 2015. Dr. Chen is survived by her husband, George Birnbaum; and her children, Tien-Seng Chiu and Tien-Yee Chiu. She was predeceased by her parents, Alexander Chun Yung Chen and Elsie Li Cheng Chen. Dr. Chen was born in Shanghai, China, on May 5, 1939. She graduated from Barnard College with a B.A. in physics in 1958, and from Columbia University with a Ph.D. in biochemistry in 1967, based on her research in X-ray crystallography. Dr. Chen had a varied career. She worked at Brookhaven National Laboratories as an Assistant Professor / Research Collaborator; was a Research Associate at the St. Luke's Hospital Center; received an instructor permit from the American Montessori Society, was a home maker, taught physics at Wilde Lake High School in Columbia, Maryland, and finished her career as an Assistant Research Scientist at the University of Maryland's Center for Advanced Research in Biotechnology in Rockville, Maryland. She carried out crystallographic research in protein structures. Eventually, Dr. Chen gave up her Research Assistant title and continued to work as a laboratory technician so she could "just have fun in the lab without needing to publish papers". After retirement, Dr. Chen blossomed. She developed an interest in skiing and skied in many resorts in the United States as well as Italy and Spain. When she gave up skiing after an accident in the Spanish Alps left her housebound for a time, she refocused her efforts in crafting, attending many sessions of the Eastern Federation of Mineralogical and Lapidary Societies in Wildacres, N.C. She picked up beading and jewelry making which led her to join not only the Gem, Lapidary and Mineral Society of Washington, DC , but also the Leisure World Lapidary club. True to her nature, not only did she join the club, but also taught and was a member of the executive committee. She was a world traveler, having traveled in North and South America, Europe, and Asia. She was an inspirational force, leaving lasting impressions and fond memories in her wake. She has left a great void in all the lives that she touched. A funeral service is scheduled for 1 p.m. on November 7, 2015, at the Howell Funeral Home, 10220 Guilford Road, Jessup, Maryland (http://www.howellfh.com). In lieu of flowers, Dr. Chen requested that donations be made to the Zigen Fund, 213-37 39th Ave, Suite 355, Bayside, NY 11361 (http://www.zigenfund.org).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on Nov. 7, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for CELIA CHEN

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6 Entries

Walter Meyer

November 8, 2015

Dear, George, I was saddened to learn from Mary of Celia's death. I remember fondly the dinners you and she had w/ Elsie and me and a pleasant (under the circumstances) ride she gave me to Reston after Gerry's funeral. Though we did not meet often, it was often enough for me to know how she'll be missed.

Walter Meyer

Mary Salton

November 7, 2015

I am so sorry about your sudden passing
and want to express my sincere sympathy to George and the entire family

christine genner

November 7, 2015

Celia,I have not had the pleasure to get to know you better but I will remember your always smiling and pleasant face at our meetings.Sadly I never skied with you either---hope you have a peaceful transition into this other world and inspite of not getting to know you better I will miss you!!!

November 7, 2015

George, I was at the memorial service today but didn't have a chance to personally give you my condolences. I am so sorry and am thinking of you and Celia's family. Mary Ann McNamar (from ski club and bridge)

Nov. 15th, 1953 in Wulai, Taiwan. Celia (14) standing behind Vera and Janice.

Vera Kao

November 7, 2015

My dear, since I met you in Hong Kong 66 years ago, you had been nothing other than an inspiration to me. It was an honor and pleasure for me to have known you. You lived your life to the fullest. Now, please rest in peace, my friend.

Allan and Lisa Wang

November 7, 2015

Our sincerest sympathy to her family and loved ones on the passing of Celia. Celia's life, since our Columbia days, has been inspirational, constantly discovering and expanding, intellectually curious, and intense involvement. We do mourn the loss of a giant. We will always treasure the memory that she made a difference in our lives.

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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Howell Funeral Homes - Howard County

10220 Guilford Road, Jessup, MD 20794

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