Maria Vincentia Kwa

Maria Vincentia Kwa (Lie Khing Tjie), daughter of Lie Siok Ing and Oei Tjip Nio, was born in Lasem, Indonesia on September 6, 1931, and passed away on Saturday, October 1, 2022 in Sanford, FL.

Maria grew up during the Dutch colonization and WWII Japanese invasion of Indonesia. She was educated in the Dutch system and primarily spoke Dutch - unusual for an ethnically Chinese family. During the Japanese occupation, Maria, her father, and her younger brother were separated from her mother and remaining siblings. They reunited two years later, but this pain of separation would forever bond the family.

During an era when most women did not pursue higher education, Maria became a successful physician. She met her husband Francis in medical school. Out of their shared strong faith, they founded the first Catholic church in Gresik, Indonesia. Maria also created and was president of the first Catholic Womens' Organization in Gresik. Ultimately, she was honored as "The Mother of the Catholic Community of Gresik" in a national news article.

Due to corrupt bankers, she and Francis lost their life savings prior to immigrating to America in 1970. While taking on the challenges of learning a new way of life, culturally and economically, Maria sacrificed her medical career to raise her five children. Her values and work ethic were an inspiration towards her family's future success.

As Francis established his medical career at Hackensack Hospital in New Jersey, she volunteered at the Hackensack Hospital Auxiliary Group and helped raise significant funding for the hospital.

Maria gave of herself abundantly throughout her life. She took immense joy in helping others and was always surrounded by those who loved her. She was esteemed by everyone for her saint-like kindness, generous personality, and delicious cooking. Her home always welcomed family and friends from around the world.

Maria is survived by her loving, supportive husband Francis; her two brothers, Agustinus and Anton; her five children Linda, Andre, Raymond, Paulus, and Hilda; and her 16 grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 14, 2022, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm at Newcomer Funeral Home – South Seminole Chapel, 335 E. State Road 434, Longwood.

Visitation will also precede the funeral mass service on Saturday, October 15, 2022, from 8:30 am to 10:00 am at the funeral home.

A funeral mass in Maria's memory will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2022, at 11:00 am at Nativity Catholic Church – 3255 N. Ronald Reagan Blvd., Longwood, with Father David Scotchie officiating.

A livestream of the mass will be available here starting 15 minutes before the mass.

Memorial contributions may be made in Maria's memory to Nativity Catholic Church

Or to the Susan G. Komen Foundation

To share your memories of Maria or leave a special message of condolence for her family, please visit the guestbook below.