Orchid Ming Yu Chu Der

03/07/1942

03/22/2023

Memorial Contributions

Grand Rapids Chinese Christian Church

or

Frederik Meijer Gardens

& Sculpture Park

or

Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra

Orchid Ming Yu Chu Der, age 81, peacefully passed away and went home to her Savior Jesus, on Wednesday, March 22, 2023. She was a content & happy resident at Porter Hills Village in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She was a devoted member of the Grand Rapids Chinese Christian Church, since 2011. She was also a dedicated volunteer at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, as well as a generous supporter of the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra.

Orchid was a faithful Christian who loved the Lord, her family, church community, friends, and neighbors.

Orchid was born on March 7, 1942, in KunMing, Yunan, China. She graduated from Taipei First Girls’ High School and National Taiwan University. Due to her excellent scholarship and diligent effort, she had the privilege to travel to America to attend the University of Missouri, Columbia for graduate school. There she achieved a doctorate in Microbiology/Genetics, met her future husband, and made the decision to be a follower of Christ. She also pursued a Master’s in Computer Science from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Orchid was preceded in death by her husband Raymond Wai-Man Der; her parents Fang Shiu & Daisy Chang Chu; and her youngest brother: Ming Shian Chu.

Orchid is survived by her son-in-law & daughter Jeff & Christine Tze-Chee Der Chamberlain; her two grandchildren: Violet Shao-En & Philip Shao-De Chamberlain; her brothers & sisters-in-law: Ming Sheng & Helen Chu; Ming Yuh Chu & Shu-Shu Tsai; and Hsi-Ping Chu; as well as by her nephews, nieces, grand-nephews, grand-nieces, friends and loved ones.

Orchid is now in heaven, reunited with her beloved husband, after 43 years of widowhood. She is now free from the toil, hardship, fear, worry, frailty, trouble, & strife of this life and can rest in the peace of the Lord forever. She is now in God’s presence, surrounded by God’s awe-inspiring loveliness, majestic melodies, and unfathomable knowledge for all eternity.

“As a deer longs for a flowing stream of cool water, 

so my soul longs for you, my God.”   

Psalms 42:1  –

https://bible.com/bible/111/psa.42.1.NIV

Orchid’s Celebration of Life service is planned for 11am, Saturday, July 8, 2023, at Grand Rapids Chinese Christian Church, 3065 Alger St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.

In lieu of flowers and in remembrance of Orchid’s life, please consider a donation to the Grand Rapids Chinese Christian Church, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, or the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra.

Sign the Guestbook

8 Responses

  1. Our love and prayers are with you, Christine, Jeff, Violet and Philip. May perpetual light shine upon your mom and may she rest in His peace.

  2. Orchid is greatly appreciated and loved by her in-laws and relatives. After her retirement she took time to send birthday cards and needlepoint to each and every cousins , in-laws, nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews. Her dedication amazes all of us. We will miss her.

  3. Christine, Jeff, Violet & Philip you are all in our prayers. We are so sorry for your loss! Your mother I am sure is at peace and may God wrap his arms around you all to give you peace, comfort and strength through this time. Love you all, please reach out Christine if you need to talk!!!

  4. Heaven and its angels are welcoming a gentle and strong spirit into their ranks.

    I will always remember Orchid as a compassionate soul who loved the Lord.
    She was a blessing to me and my family while we were attending Mandarin Baptist Church of Pasadena. Her needle stitching portrait of Noah’s Ark hangs proudly in our house for the 17th year – a marriage gift that we treasure.

    Looking forward to reuniting with you one day, dear sister!

  5. I remember Orchid as a kind, gentle and cheerful lady. She was very faithful to attend the Prayer Meeting at Mandarin Baptist Church. After she moved away, she sent me a birthday card every year. I will always remember her. May our Lord embrace her in heaven.

  6. I remember Orchid as a sweet, humble prayer warrior in our time together at MBCP. She would ask often how Daniel & I were, even over email after she moved away. Two of her cross-stitch pieces that she designed hang in our home, and we were so blessed to receive her love. We miss you Orchid, until we meet again in His day!

  7. Orchid was a beloved volunteer at Meijer Gardens and is missed by so many. I always enjoyed her warm smile and kind greetings.

  8. Our time together in Madison, serving God and each other together, is forever remembered and cherished . Take care, Christine and family!

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