Dr. Catherine Udekwu

02/20/2026

Catherine Udekwu Obituary
May 1, 1965 - February 1, 2026

Catherine Ngozi Udekwu was born on May 1, 1965 in Ibadan, Nigeria as the sixth child of surgeon Prof. Fabian Udekwu and educator Anna-Brita Udekwu (née Bryström). Catherine was raised in Nigeria and Sweden with her nine siblings. From a young age, she was a lynch pin in the large family, playing a strong part in caring for her younger siblings. This responsibility, combined with inspiration from her father, set her on the path for which she would be best known in Pittsburgh.

After receiving her medical degree from the University of Nigeria and completing her residency at UPMC Mercy, she established her pediatric practice in Pittsburgh’s Uptown neighborhood, where she became a trusted and beloved presence. At home, Catherine was a loving and dedicated mother to her four children, and a fantastic aunt to innumerable nieces and nephews. In her extended family, she was known as the best cook, the most talented linguist, and always prepared with a practical solution to any issue. She loved Pittsburgh, the Steelers, and the home she had created, preferring to spend most of her time in the city rather than travelling.

In 2021, she was awarded UPMC’s Top Pediatrician title. In 2024, her extraordinary dedication to patients, parents, and Pittsburgh was recognized by former Mayor Ed Gainey, who proclaimed September 25 as Dr. Catherine Udekwu Day in the City of Pittsburgh. Alongside her clinical work, she collaborated with varying organizations, including serving a term as President of the Gateway Medical Society, and sitting on the Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine.

Catherine was preceded in death by her mother Anna-Brita, father Fabian, and brother Anthony. She is survived by sons Sven-David (Kemi Sowale) Udekwu and Mikael Owunna, daughters Katarina and Christianne Owunna; granddaughter Kajsa Udekwu; brothers Osi, Obi, and Ifeanyi Udekwu, sisters Marie Udekwu, Helen Analo, Anne Ndu, Cecilia Udekwu, and Nkechi Obianozie; aunts Ingrid and Margareta; many nieces and nephews and great-nephews and great-nieces.

Friends, colleagues, and former patients are invited to a visitation at John A. Freyvogel Sons, Inc. 4900 Centre Avenue at Devonshire Street (freyvogelfuneralhome.com) on Thursday February 26, 2026 from 3-7PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday February 27, 2026 at St. Benedict the Moor Parish, 91 Crawford Street, at 11AM, followed by the interment of ashes at Greenwood Cemetery, 321 Kittanning Pike.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh: https://www.childrenshomepgh.org/ways-to-help/donate-now/

Celebrate the life of Catherine Udekwu and join others in sharing memories, stories, and condolences.

02/09/2026

Funeral Arrangement Details (Feb 26-27, 2026)

02/04/2026

We are heartbroken to share the passing of Catherine Udekwu, MD of UPMC CCP – Pittsburgh.

Dr. Udekwu was a truly remarkable pediatrician whose compassion, warmth, and clinical excellence touched the lives of countless children and families. After graduating from the University of Nigeria and completing her residency at UPMC Mercy, she established her practice in Pittsburgh’s Uptown neighborhood, where she became a trusted and beloved presence in the community. In 2024, her extraordinary dedication was recognized by former Mayor Ed Gainey, who proclaimed September 25 as Dr. Catherine Udekwu Day in the City of Pittsburgh. Her loss leaves an immeasurable void.

We know this news is incredibly difficult for many in our patient community. Dr. Udekwu meant so much to the families she served, and her impact will live on in the lives she helped shape.

02/04/2026

02/03/2026

The PEAL Center joins our families and community in mourning the passing of Catherine Udekwu, MD, a beloved pediatric physician whose impact on children and families across the Pittsburgh region spans decades.

With nearly 40 years of service, Dr. Udekwu dedicated her career to caring for children and expanding access to high-quality, compassionate healthcare, especially for families from historically underserved communities. Many PEAL families knew her not only as a skilled physician, but as a trusted partner who listened, respected families’ voices, and treated every child with dignity.

In recognition of her extraordinary commitment to Pittsburgh’s underserved communities, September 25th was proclaimed “Dr. Catherine Udekwu Day” in the City of Pittsburgh by Mayor Ed Gainey in 2024, an honor that speaks to the depth and reach of her impact.

Dr. Udekwu’s legacy of equity, compassion, and advocacy will continue to live on through the countless families and providers she inspired. She will be greatly missed.

02/03/2026

Remembering this moment

02/02/2026

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our dear mother, Dr. Catherine Udekwu. She passed away peacefully last night surrounded by family and loved ones.

Thank you all for all of your love and support through this difficult time. Our mother loved all of you, her patients, families, and coworkers so dearly.

09/26/2024

My speech from my official proclamation today! Thank you Mayor Ed Gainey and all of my friends, family, colleagues, and patients for all of your support.

09/25/2024

September 25 is officially Dr. Udekwu day in the City of Pittsburgh! Thank you for the official proclamation Mayor Ed Gainey!

07/01/2023

I am so proud to share that the new Andy Warhol wall installation is one of my son Mikael Owunna Studios’s creations. Please join me in congratulating him!
Our whole family is so proud of him!!

06/26/2023

Congratulations to Dr Trivedi!
We are all so proud of Dr Trivedi, she completed her residency program this month and will be chief resident at The Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
We all will miss her ! And so will all patients that got to meet her in the three years.