Dorothy Chu

Dorothy Chu was born in Liaoning, China to Yao Ching-Han and Yao Tsi-Chun on October 8, 1936, the youngest of 8 children. Her father was a well-known architect and her mother served as one of the first principals of a women's college in China. She is preceded in death by both of her parents, and all of her siblings. She was incredibly proud of her heritage and family, and spoke fondly of her family’s achievements. While she was originally born into wealth, her family was forced to flee to Taiwan following the Japanese Occupation and subsequent civil war in China.

In Taiwan, she received her secondary education, worked as a nurse’s aid while attending nursing school, and in 1958 married Charlemagne M. Chu. She had her two daughters, Angela and Helena, in Taiwan before moving to Thailand.

She lived in Thailand for nine years where she had her youngest son, Robert, and where she and her husband first heard the gospel from American missionaries. She went onto become a devout and passionate Christian and dedicated her life to her faith and relationship with God. She was an involved and beloved member of the Chinese Christian Church of Northern Virginia (CCCVA) where she led and co-led bible studies for many years.

Dorothy Chu studied English and loved studying the Bible in her free time. She also taught Mandarin Chinese to foreign students. She enjoyed reading Christian literature, painting, and collecting orchids.

Dorothy Chu is preceded in death by her husband Charlemagne M. Chu. She is survived by her three children and their spouses: Angela, Helena, and Robert; and her four grandchildren: Mathew Chen, Catherine Chen, Danielle Hoogterp, and Peter Hoogterp.

Pallbearers will be Robert Chu, Dan Hoogterp, Peter Hoogterp, Peter Han, Kevin Kingsbury, and a representative of CCCVA. Memorials may be given to Chinese Christian Church of Northern Virginia (CCCVA) in Falls Church, VA or flowers sent to the funeral home. The family of Dorothy Chu wishes to extend our sincere thanks to many of her church family friends and other friends who have loved and supported her throughout the years.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am, December 27, 2025, at National Memorial Park of Falls Church, VA with Pastor John Chua of the Chinese Christian Church of Northern Virginia officiating. Burial will follow at the same location. Arrangements are by the National Memorial Park.