Chitralekha Edwin

Dr. Chitralekha Edwin has joined her beloved parents, Nirmala Gurushanta and Percy Edwin, in heaven. Born in Bangalore, India on September 7th, 1954, Chitra began life surrounded by her close-knit family and her cherished doggos, Mickey and Ginger. She spent much of her youth reading and attending long Sunday lunches with large family gatherings.

As she grew into her teenage years, Chitra’s love of learning and relationships shone brightly. While she excelled academically, she never forgot to have fun. Friends remember Chitra as having a playful, rebellious side that brought joy to those around her.

Chitra was never afraid to push the boundaries. At the age of 26, she boldly chased her dreams by coming to the United States with three suitcases and $20 to her name in pursuit of a PhD in microbiology at the University of Minnesota. Those years were full of discovery, lasting friendships, and the education she so deeply valued. Her journey then led her to Harvard Medical School, where she completed a postdoctoral program in infectious diseases.

Chitra’s career was nothing short of extraordinary. She was passionate about advancing science and healthcare, especially during the early, uncertain days of HIV research. Often working alone in the lab, she developed pioneering assays that laid the groundwork for diagnosing and understanding complex diseases. Her dedication to science continued until the very last moments she was able to contribute.

Beyond her professional brilliance, Chitra embraced life with boundless energy and love. She treasured four mile long walks with her beloved daughter Ramona Weber, Ramona’s husband Thomas Geske, doggo Bandit, and her “cherished little laddie” Keko. She had an adventurous spirit when it came to food, exploring cuisines across the country, and her booming voice on long phone calls brought joy to friends around the world. She loved to travel, to celebrate every holiday and birthday with flair, and to make even simple rituals-like weekend pancakes-into moments of joy.

Chitralekha Edwin was a strong, passionate, determined, stylish, best friend, deeply loved “bubsy”, mother, mother-in-law, and friend. Her bravery, warmth, voice, and laughter will continue to live on in the hearts of all who loved her.

The family will receive friends in the Lemmon Funeral Home of Dulaney Valley, Inc., 10 W. Padonia Road (at York Road) Timonium, Maryland 21093 on Sunday, October 26 from 12 to 2pm at which time Chitalekha’s life will be celebrated at 2pm.

In honor of Chitra’s life and legacy, please consider donating to the lung cancer research foundation, PO Box 780990, Philadelphia, PA 19178 to support ongoing research in our fierce battle against nonsmoker’s lung cancer. https://give.lungcancerresearchfoundation.org/fundraiser/6778967