Julie Chu-Ching Chiang

Julie Chu-Ching Chiang (樂筑卿) passed away at the age of 85 on June 13, 2025 at her home in Orange, California. Julie was born in Guiyang, Guizhou, China before moving with her family to Taipei, Taiwan when Julie was four years old. Julie was one of nine children in the Lo family. Despite being studious and dedicated to learning, Julie decided to forego college in order to save that tuition money for her younger siblings. Julie loved each of her siblings, and always made sure she provided and cared for them before worrying about herself. Julie was known to always be someone her siblings could turn to if they needed help or advice.

At a young age, Julie met the love of her life, Peter, at a ball where she was swept off her feet. Peter was a young naval officer, fresh from his training, when he became captivated by Julie. As foreshadowing of the commitment he would show her the rest of their lives, Peter made sure in those early days to have weekly dinners with Julie’s family, and walk her daily to and from the bus for work. They were married in a civil ceremony in Taipei. Together, Julie and Peter had three daughters, Heidi, Carlene, and Sandy.

In 1965, Peter moved to the United States to pursue a graduate degree and shortly thereafter, Julie followed. Although Julie and Peter arrived in the US with no money or connections, they persevered to provide an abundant life for their daughters. Julie began as a seamstress, all the while slowly teaching herself English. By 1976, Julie obtained a job as a chemist with Beckman Coulter, despite having no degree like many of her coworkers had. To make up for her lack of degree, Julie would show up to work early and stay late in order to make sure her effort was surpassed by none. But perhaps most importantly, Julie was beloved by those at Beckman that she worked with, many seeing her as a “mama bear” who would take care of anyone in need.

Indeed, Julie was the matriarch and rock of her family—she was looked up to by her three daughters, her three sons-in-law, and her five grandchildren. Despite working as a chemist until her retirement in 2010, Julie would pick up her grandchildren everyday after school, bring them home, and cook for the rest of the evening to make sure everyone was fed. She was the person her family could turn to for both serious advice and silly conversation. If you were hungry, she would cook your favorite dishes. If you were sad, she would remind you that things will always get better. If you needed to laugh, she would play a game with you (and cheat along the way). She generously gave to everyone around her, finding joy in just being someone who others could rely on. She made her and Peter’s house not just their home, but a home for the entire family, always filled with love and laughter. Julie would never hesitate to sacrifice anything for her family. Nothing was more important to her than her family’s wellbeing, success, and happiness.

Julie is survived by her daughters, Heidi, Carlene, and Sandy, her grandchildren, Victoria, Timothy, Brandon, Mia, and Micah, her sons- and grandson-in-law, Kim, Carl, and Michael, and her great-granddaughter, Shiloh. Her family finds solace in the fact that she is now reunited in heaven with her husband, Peter, and her son-in-law, Paul.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks to please consider a donation to the Hsi Lai Buddhist Temple:

https://www.hsilai.us

A celebration of life for Julie will be held Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Pacific View Mortuary, 3500 Pacific View Dr., Corona del Mar, California 92625.A graveside service will follow from 11:00 a.m to 11:30 am at Pacific View's Balboa Gardens Lawn.

Following services a Luncheon will be held at 12:30 pm at Meizhou Dongpo 15363 Culver Drive., Irvine, Ca 92604