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MAUREEN CHUA Obituary

MAUREEN CHUA, MD
A Board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist affiliated with Washington Hospital Center, died on June 23, 2016, due to complications from pneumonia. She was 73. Dr. Chua was renowned for combining evidence-based medicine and uncompromising compassion. She received Washingtonian''s Top Doctor award multiple times. She is survived by a brother, Dr. Thomas Chua of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; two sisters, Dr. Jean Alano of Cockeysville, Maryland and Carolyn Chang of Cockeysville; and five nieces and two great-nephews. The family invites guests to the memorial service on July 30 at 10 a.m. at National Memorial Park King David Memorial Garden, 7482 Lee Hwy., Falls Church, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Maureen Chua to the Children''s Hunger Fund.

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

Published by The Washington Post on Jul. 17, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for MAUREEN CHUA

Sponsored by Jean Alano & Chua Family.

69 Entries

Diane Santini

June 24, 2025

Although she passed away almost a decade ago, I just heard about Dr. Chua´s passing. I want to add to the tributes to this wonderful doctor, nurturing woman, dedicated and kind person. My children are 42 and 38, but I still have vivid recollections of being a patient of hers. She was unlike any doctor I have ever met. The level of comfort I felt at every visit and in the delivery room was amazing. I felt heard and valued for the first time as a patient. Her warmth and joy created an atmosphere of happiness and security. Her staff was also phenomenal. It was truly a gift to be a patient of Dr. Chua´s.

Michelle

June 10, 2025

I am thinking of Dr. Chua today as my daughter-in-law is in labor. I´m so sorry to learn of Dr. Chua´s passing. She delivered both of my children, in 1984 and 1986, at WHC where I was an employee. My daughter is now the mother of ten and expecting soon to become a grandmother. My son and his wife are awaiting the birth of their first child. I´m remembering Dr. Chua for her excellence as a doctor and her wonderful, warm personality that gave so many women the best pregnancy and childbirth experience possible. Sending love and condolences to her family.

Jeanne Wall

July 15, 2024

My bundle of joy is now 49 years old. Thanks for a smooth delivery.

Mary McDowney (Ellerbe)

July 11, 2024

I was blessed to have known her during her Residency and being my Gyn Doctor. She was a wonderful and dedicated Doctor.

Diane de Terra

July 11, 2024

Maureen would be so happy to meet all her children to whom she gave the gift of a wonderful start in life, from the very first breath.
With love and gratitude,
Diane de Terra and my 42 year old son, Luc.

Monica Ettinger

June 20, 2024

Because of Dr. Chua, I have two beautiful children. She was kind, loving and an amazing Doctor. Thank you Dr. Chua, your memory is a blessing.

Jo Thompson

May 11, 2024

Dr. Chua's name and her amazing presence as my physician, left an impressionable memory for me. The number of times I reflected on her care, ease and encouragement! Forty years ago...the best doctor who ever treated me! Resting in Peace...

Angelina

February 21, 2024

My mom worked for her and her family as a house keeper. Sorry to hear of her passing. My mother wishes her family well.

M Diaz

September 17, 2023

It was many years ago when Dr Chua delivered my 2 children. I just dreamed of her and searched her information and was so saddened of her passing. She was the most most caring and compassionate doctor I´ve ever known. Thank you Dr Chua for bringing 2 wonderful people in this world. May you Rest In Peace.

M Diaz

KAREN Elizabeth ASHFORD

July 6, 2023

I loved Dr Chua, I was a student at the Washington Hospital Center school of radiologic technology, and in 1974 she became my GYN. She was smart, kind, friendly, and although I´ve had many OB/GYN`s over the years, no one compares to her. I just found out today that she is no longer with us, and it breaks my heart that she died, so yeah, she was a big part of my life, delivering my two children after I got married. May God reward her greatly for all the love and kindness that she gave to everyone. I will remember her in my prayers from now on, and hope to see her one day in Heaven

Karen Elizabeth Clendening

July 6, 2023

Dr Kim Lambert

December 13, 2022

Just discovering this sad news of Dr Chua that delivered my sons decades ago. I recall her arriving to the hospital in a beautiful gown Dec 19th, I interrupted her event; she accepted my apology with a smile.

Teresa

January 5, 2022

Maureen Chua was a gifted healer. I was so grateful for her care during two high risk pregnancies. She was a wonderful person who made the world a better place.

Laura Schwartz

December 27, 2021

I'm heartbroken to have only just learned Maureen passed away. She was a neighbor, with her dear mother, to my parents in DC when I was in high school. Many years later in 1991 she delivered my preemie twin daughters at WHC. Maureen was my friend and my doctor. It was a privilege to know her. I had complications during my pregnancy and she always kept me safe. She was a brilliant doctor and lovely person. I lost track of her when she moved out of the area and it always saddened me that I was unable to find her.
My deepest condolences to the family

Diane de Terra

March 8, 2021

I was thinking fondly of Dr. Chua today and am saddened by news of her passing. Thanks to her my son had a wondrous start to life.
My prayers are with you
Diane de Terra

Carol Findlay

October 11, 2019

I just now learned of Dr Chu's passing and am so deeply saddened. I was her patient in the '70s and 80s. Early on, She asked me to participate in a short OB/GYN exam for a TV medical video, which I did. In 1970 she delivered my first daughter, and wept with me when we learned she had undetected and profound birth defects, and who died four months later. Dr. Chua encouraged me to have a second child, arranged for the "new" amniocentesis procedure, and totally pampered me for nine months, delivered my perfectly healthy second daughter in 1980. It was, however an emergency C-section as I was overdue with pre-eclampsia. Shortly before surgery my sister-in-law stopped by my hospital room and was wearing her student nurse name tag. Maureen told her to "go scrub," and so she ended up being a part of the surgery team! Just a few months later, Dr Chua also delivered my niece, and those two girls grew up together. Today they both work to make our world a better place, both earned master's degrees -- one in social work/forensic psychology, the other in genetics. Dr Maureen Chua, if you're reading this, I thank you with all my heart for the miraculous gifts you brought to my life.

Monica Lewis

January 4, 2019

My family and I recently returned to the area and learned of Dr. Chua's passing. She delivered my first child 17 years ago. She advocated for me to have a natural birth with minimal intervention. I am so thankful and grateful to have had such a caring and compassionate doctor during my first delivery. My prayers are with the family.

Arlana Ferebee

September 11, 2018

Dr. Chua was my doctor for 28 years.she was the best. My family loved her. She will be missed.
Rest in heavenly peace Dr. Chua
Arlana Ferebee and family.

June 29, 2018

Dr. Chua delivered my first child 17 years ago and I remember how bubbly and reassuring and knowledgeable she was. It was very comforting as an expectant mom. Her spirit was kind. It was a privilege to have her as my doctor.
May her family, even now gain comfort from the fact that she is positively imprinted on the minds of others. Such an impactful life she shared with others. May she be at peace. May her family be at peace.

Linda Brooks

February 23, 2018

I was a patient of Dr. Chia. She was a very good doctor and a caring doctor. Just found out about her passing. Will be surely missed. May her soul rest in peace.

Vicki Dorsey

January 25, 2018

Simply the best!

Dottie Greco

October 30, 2017

I just discovered that Dr. Chua had passed. she delivered my baby almost 20 years ago. the absolute best, most compassionate doctor I have ever had. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. May she rest in peace

CeCelia Reid

April 21, 2017

Rest in paradise Dr. Chua. You saved my life when I was 10 years old and I have never forgotten you. Thank you for all that you have done.

Lorna Blumen

November 9, 2016

I was so saddened to hear of Maureen's passing. She delivered my daughter 26 years ago. She was kind, compassionate, so smart, and full of knowledge which she shared generously. She never seemed rushed, she took the time to know her patients as human beings, and we knew her, too. Waiting in her waiting room was a lively event, full of laughter and "mother's best tips".
My deepest condolences to her family.

Deena Thomas

September 14, 2016

Dr.Chuva was my doctor. She delivered two of my kids. She is an outstanding doctor.My last baby was delivered 34 years ago on sept 12,

Cheryl Milton

September 8, 2016

Dr. Chua was my doctor for over 35 years! She delivered my daughter in 1976, then delivered my granddaughter from my daughter , the first time a delivery from a delivery! She was the best, I will miss her very much! Rest in piece!

Patty

September 8, 2016

Thank you Dr. Chua for being the best doctor ever to me. You will always be missed. Patty W.

Lily Chang

September 2, 2016

I'll never forget the day when "Auntie" Maureen saved a choking neighbor's life. A few of us kids were playing in the backyard pool. The neighbor stumbled over from his house next door with his frantic wife. His face was literally turning blue. Auntie Maureen said not a word but seemed to fly/glide across the yard and within seconds the culprit piece of meat was dislodged from the neighbor's throat. After several deep breaths, the neighbor gave her a grateful hug and walked slowly back home while his wife said thank you and cried at the same time. Then, without so much as a glance at the rest of us staring in awe and shock at what had transpired, Auntie Maureen smiled quietly and settled back in to her lounge chair with her book, business as usual. :)
In my travels I have met new people in other cities who knew of or had heard of Auntie Maureen--through their time spent working in hospitals and the medical profession in Washington, DC. Her professional reputation and scholarly achievements, not to mention her witty sense of humor, we're all attributes these people shared about her! She was an amazing, lovely person.

Nancy Polikoff

September 2, 2016

Dr. Chua was a feminist. She was passionately committed to the principle that every woman should have control over her own body. As far back as the early 1980's, she was supportive of lesbians who wanted to have children, and she provided fertility-related services to those patients. Younger women today have no idea that it used to be very difficult to find a woman OBGYN. In the 1970's, when I began seeing Dr. Chua, she was one of less than a handful in Washington, DC. Thank you, Dr. Chua.

Jeanne Wall

August 25, 2016

Dr. Maureen Chua assisted me in delivering the most wonderful gift of my life. After another physician promptly closed his practice she accepted me as a patient without hesitation. After calling her one night at 3am, once she answered the call I quickly announced that was having a heart attack, she assured me I was not! "Its just the baby moving for the first time".Not settling for the explanation, I was told to drop by her the next day. So, on my lunch hour I followed her instructions. Wondering why I wasn't place in exam room but seated in her office. In near tears I gave her my "heart attack episode ". I even informed her that , this was my lunch hour and I hadn't eaten.Dr. Chua listen intently, telling me about her family and what a wonderful weekend that they had spent together celebrating a special occasion. Meanwhile she started putting different food item on a plate explaining each and who prepared them. Sister, mother etc. With much ceremony she handed me a napkin, fork and said: "have lunch". Dr. Chua smiled, I cried, and lunch was wonderful!

August 16, 2016

I was blessed to have Dr. "C" as I called her as my Dr. since she started practicing medicine in 1972 ...I was patient #3 ... she delivered my children and then had them as patients ... God, I am going to miss her wit, that smile, her wisdom.
---Ruth Ross Mericle

August 6, 2016

Maureen and I were partners in our first rotation in internship - ER -we were not supposed to leave the hospital even if we were not on duty. Break this rule and there would be consequences.After a few days however, 2 obedient, fearful of punishment interns decided to defy this rule and walk to Sta. Mesa market, which in the late 60's was almost a ghost town with only a few insignificant stores.
On the way home I stubbed my toe and it bled. Once in the hospital we tried to stop the bleeding by applying pressure, but bleeding continued. It then might need stitching and then we will be found out leaving the hospital. (It never occurred to us to lie ;)).Panic stricken we looked at the toe again to find out why it won't stop bleeding. Guess what - we were pressing the wrong toe! Bleeding stopped when we pressed the correct toe.....

Jean Alano- sister

August 3, 2016

On behalf of our family, we wish to thank you all for your comfort you gave to us during this difficult time. We were all lucky to have Maureen with us in our lives. She foremost took care of her family. She was dedicated to her friends, her co-workers, her patients & caregivers. Her life was serving others & asked nothing in return. She is exemplary in doing good for the world. We will surely miss her but comforted to know she is at peace with no more pain & suffering. She is with the Lord, enjoying eternal happiness with my parents & nephew Michael Chua. Thank you from the Chua family.

Susan Yao-Arkilander

August 2, 2016

My most sincere condolence to her surviving siblings Dr Tom Chua, Dr Jean Alano and my best friend Carol. I am very sorry to see Dr. Maureen Chua leave us this early. Having known her family well since my childhood years, I was lucky to witness her love and devotion for her parents and family while in Maryland as well as Manila. Hope Maureen is enjoying her time in heaven with your parents and nephew.

Maureen at CHUA family estate

Jean Alano, sister

July 31, 2016

Yesterday we laid our dear sister Dr. Maureen Chua to rest. We the family wish to thank everyone who came to the graveside service-family, friends, her co-workers, patients, caregivers. They all shared precious memories they had with Maureen. We also wishes to thank everyone who had sent condolences & sympathies by mail, Facebook, online through Legacy.com. Also to those that sent donations to Children's Hunger Fund in memory of Maureen. I am sure Maureen was touched by all these tributes to her. The service & reception was wonderful & everyone was there because they all loved her. She is now at peace with my parents & nephew Mike & she is safe in the Lord's arms. Thank you all.

Entire Chua family at my home later in the afternoon.

Jean Alano

July 31, 2016

Maureen's siblings beside a beautiful wreath & poster of pictures as a child

Jean Alano

July 31, 2016

Chua estate by a big pond

Jean Alano

July 31, 2016

Beautiful cross

Jean Alano

July 31, 2016

The Chua estate where my parents & nephew Michael Chua was buried

Jean Alano

July 31, 2016

Siblings of Maureen- My brother Dr Thomas Chua, my youngest sister Carolyn Chang, myself & my husband John Alston

Jean Alano

July 31, 2016

Photo of Maureen

Jean Alano

July 31, 2016

Beautiful pink urn & everyone left flowers for her

Jean Alano

July 31, 2016

At the CHUA estate

Jean Alano

July 31, 2016

Maureen's funeral at National Memorial Park in Flls Church VA on 7/30/16 at 10 am.

Jean Alano

July 31, 2016

Kathy

July 30, 2016

For thirty years I thought I was her favorite patient! Her retirement was a surprise and her death is stunning. No other visits to doctors have been the same. A very special person. I wish I could have been at her memorial service.

Phoebe Wittman

July 26, 2016

I was so saddened to read of Dr. Chua's passing. She ddelivered our two children and provided care for me when we lived in the area.She was a lovely person and knowledgable physician with a great sense of humor and love for her patients and the little ones she delivered.

Jan Kern

July 25, 2016

I sent many friends to Maureen Chua and without exception, they loved, respected, and trusted her as I did. Reading these tributes, I realize that she managed to make all of her patients, including me, feel they were one of her very favorites. I always loved seeing her. And, because she was so smart, so thorough, and so careful, she noticed a problem that other doctors might have missed, and literally saved my life when I was a young woman. She was one of the most remarkable and wonderful people I have ever known, and I miss her greatly.

July 25, 2016

We pray for the eternal repose of her soul. May she rest in peace. We will always recall how well she played volleyball during our student days in UERMMMC. She was very kind to us when we had a chance to visit her in Washington.

Myrna and Nards

Conrad J R Miranda IV

July 25, 2016

My wife and I wish to extend our deep sympathy and condolences to the family of Maureen. She was my classmate at UERMMMC College of Medicine--a shy, studious, bright student. Our postgrad communication was occasional, mostly by email. We saw her last during a UERM convention held in Hawaii about 15-20 years ago.About 3-4 years ago she emailed me inquiring about when/where the next UERM alumni annual convention would be, but she didn't make it then, either.
We'd like to let you know how sad we were to hear of her demise. We celebrate her life even at this time of your bereavement.
God bless!

Drs. Conrad & Penny Miranda

July 23, 2016

I had the privilege of working for Maureen as her care giver the last four and a half months of her life.Maureen had a smile on her face always,even when it was obvious that she was hurting.She never complained or give in to self pity.Her family's commitment and love was a shield sorroundin her.To you Jean and Carolyn,you set a wonderful example to your daughters who rendered loving service to their aunt.She was loved by family,and she knew it-" her cup was running over".Let her soul rest in eternity where there is no pain. Rose Mbugua

Nancy Chasen

July 22, 2016

Like the others I was shocked to see Maureen's obituary in the Post, having often wondered whether she was still in the Philippines. I was fortunate to be among her first patients. She was eve kind, compassionate, warm, gentle and competent. We have many memories of the ways in which she made the births of our two children special.This feels like the loss of a dear friend and my heart goes out to others who loved her.

Patricia Larson

July 22, 2016

Dr. Chua was one of my favorite human beings on the planet. She was my obstetrician for my last child and so helpful and concerned during an unexplained illness after that birth. I looked forward to my yearly gyn visits with her and so distressed when she retired. She was so personal,so interested, and compassionate. I want her family to know how highly her patients regarded her.

Renee Caneda

July 21, 2016

I was blessed to have Dr. Chua as my OB/GYN. She delivered my daughter over 30 years ago. She was the most compassionate, caring and patient doctor I've ever had. She made you feel as though you were her only patient. Dr. Chua will be truly be missed. My prayers are with her family.

Renee Caneda

July 21, 2016

I was blessed to have Dr. Chua as my OB/GYN. She delivered my daughter over 30 years ago. I've never had a doctor as compassionate, caring and patient as Dr. Chua. She will truly be missed. My prayers are with her family.

Linda Price

July 21, 2016

Dr. Chua delivered both of my sons and was my OB/GYN for many years. She always made me feel like I was her only patient when I was with her and gave me her undivided attention. She took time to educate all of her patients about their anatomy and was very reassuring when something was amiss. She was so patient, caring, and compassionate and inspired unbounded trust. What a gift to the world she was, and how many lives she affected! My sincere condolences to her family on their great loss.

Rosalyn Beroza

July 19, 2016

I was fortunate enough to have Dr. Chua deliver my three children. Because she always acted so happy to see me, I had a sneaking suspicion that I must be her favorite patient. Not until after my third child was born did I realize that Dr. Chua made every patient feel like they were her very favorite. Thank you, Dr. Chua, for all you gave to me. The world is a lesser place because you are gone.

Dolores Peters Davis

July 19, 2016

My sincere sympathy to Dr. Chua's family. I was stunned to read her obituary in the Post this morning. She was my GYN for many years, and was a caring, kind person and an outstanding physician. She loved her work and her patients. I will never forget her.

July 19, 2016

LEAN UPON GOD DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME 1PET. 5:7

Yvette McKnight

July 19, 2016

A wonderful person and excellent doctor.

July 19, 2016

She was one of the most compassionate doctors I've ever had. She delivered my three little girls and was always patient. My prayers are with her family and friends during this time of grief.

July 19, 2016

She was a gifted and compassionate human. I will keep her in my heart and in my prayers. Kathy Kennedy

Kate Dewey

July 19, 2016

She was my OB/GYN for years and she was such a blessing. Competent, kind, compassionate. I've been away from DC for years but have thought of her often. May the angels welcome her to paradise. Thoughts and prayers to her family.

Mary McDowney (Ellerbe)

July 19, 2016

Dr. Chua was a remarkable MD. She treated everyone with respect. I first met her she was during her training at the WHC on the 4th Floor OR. Everyone loved scrubbing and circulating for her cases. Once she finished passed her boards, she was my one and only OB/GYN MD. We have truly lost a wonderful person. MY heart goes out to her family.

Olympia

July 19, 2016

I am so sorry to learn of Dr. Chua's passing. She delivered two of my three children into the world and was such a patient and kind woman. She was a very special person.

July 18, 2016

She gave me my most wonderful gift: my son. Not only was Dr. Chua a great physician, but a truly wonderful individual.
Jeanne

Adela Jabine

July 18, 2016

I was so sorry to read about Dr. Chua's death. She was a remarkable, wonderful, kind woman and a superb doctor. I will never forget that she came from her vacation just to check me when I had severe post-menopausal bleeding, and how comforting and reassuring she was. My condolences to her family. Her memory is a blessing.

Ashley

July 18, 2016

Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your loved one. May God give you strength and comfort during this difficult time. Ps 46 :1

Joan Hartman Moore

July 17, 2016

Reading of Dr. Chua's death in this morning's Post brought a lump to my throat, but also a memory of the sense of well being that always followed a visit with her. She was calm, wise, compassionate and caring as well as knowledgeable and thorough. Although we, her patients, may have hoped for less time in the waiting room we knew that once we were in the privacy of an exam room, Maureen had all the time for us that we needed and her concern at that moment was for our health and our needs. In my mind, she will always be the ideal of what a physician should be. In my heart, she will always be a treasured friend.

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