Mary Louise (nee Siemers) Chua passed away with family at her side on June 21, 2024 at Strong Memorial Hospital. She was born July 5, 1940 in LaSalle, Illinois, the oldest daughter of G. Walter and June (McCollem) Siemers.
Mary graduated from Tonica High School, class of 1958, and St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing, class of 1961, on a grant from the State of Illinois. Following paying off the balance of her grant, Mary and a former classmate travelled to Jersey City, New Jersey to take a post-graduate course in OB Nursing at Margaret Hague Maternity Hospital where she met a resident, Dr. John T. Chua, while assisting with circumcisions.
John and Mary were married September 12, 1964, welcomed their first son, John, in 1965 and their second son, David, was born in 1967 while they were living in Lumberton, North Carolina. The family left NC in 1967, moved to Ridgewood, New Jersey, then to West Point, New York. On July 1, 1970, the Chua family moved to Batavia, New York where their daughter, Elizabeth, was born in 1975 which meant Mary “had a child in each state” they lived in. She would often say, “thank goodness we only lived in three states.”
Mary worked as a registered nurse during her first few years of marriage, took a break while still maintaining her nursing license, and returned to the workforce in 1984 as a discharge planner at (then) Genesee Memorial Hospital. She would leave and return to that position twice until finally retiring in 2004 from United Memorial Medical Center.
Mary was a 50+ year member of First Presbyterian Church of Batavia serving as a Deacon, Elder, and on several committees particularly Worship Planning and Church Decorating. She was also involved in various local groups including The Wednesday Study Club, Red Cross, and past president of The Genesee Memorial Hospital League.
Mary is survived by her two sons, John Edwin (Kristi) Chua of Arizona and David (Allison) Chua of Batavia; her daughter, Elizabeth (Eric) Raymond also of Batavia; grandchildren, Sean and Patrick Chua of Arizona, Kian an, Ross, and Aden Chua and Stella and Emmitt Raymond of Batavia. She is also survived by three sisters, Bess (late Raymond) Moore, June Ann (late Glenn) Ehrler, and Wanda (late Lee) Fetzer, all of Illinois, along with many nieces and nephews in the Siemers and Chua families.
In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, John (2015); one sister, Kathleen, in infancy and one brother, Steven (2020); nephews Michael and Max.
Anyone who knew Mary was well acquainted with her quick wit, classic style, talent for entertaining, penchant for cards that skirted the line between humor and rudeness, and her lifelong love of chocolate, her “drug of choice.” She will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of her company.
The family wishes to extend their deepest appreciation to: her dedicated home health aides from Have-A-Heart, especially Ginny and Roxanne, and private aide, Jennie; the Community Social Program volunteers at St. James and First Presbyterian Churches of Batavia; the first responders from City of Batavia Police and Fire Departments, and Mercy EMS; and the ED and ICCU staff of Strong Memorial Hospital for their excellent care and compassion.
There will be no prior calling hours. Mary’s Memorial Service will be held on Friday June 28, 2024 3:00pm at First Presbyterian Church of Batavia, 300 East Main St, followed by a reception until 6:00pm at the church, open to all who would like to call on the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary’s name to First Presbyterian Church of Batavia, Crossroads House, the American Red Cross or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements for Mary were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia, (585) 343-8868.
