Catherine Ngozi Udekwu

     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 Donate Now – Children’s Home of Pittsburgh.