Representative Sue Chew of Boise, Idaho passed away on April 17, 2024 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Born in Oakland, California on March 31, 1958 to Hon and Gloria Chew, Sue was the first of four children. She was followed by Jonathan, Kristina, and Justin. Her childhood interests in science and nature would persist through college where she would first earn a BA in Biology and Natural Sciences from UC Berkeley followed by a Doctorate of Pharmacy from UC San Francisco.
Sue moved to Boise, Idaho in 1989 to complete a residency in geriatric pharmacy at the Boise Veterans Affairs Medical Center under Dr. Sandra Jue of the College of Pharmacy and began a distinguished career in health care where she served with dedication at Saint Alphonsus Hospital in Boise.
Sue made a career change in the mid 1990s when she began teaching biology and physiology at Boise State University. In this position, Sue’s ability to connect with others through her calm, humorous and down to earth demeanor would first become apparent.
Sue would ultimately combine her natural people skills with her deep-seated desire to improve the welfare of her community in 2006 when she was elected as Idaho State Representative of District 17. Sue would go on to serve nine terms and become the longest serving Democrat in the history of the Idaho House of Representatives.
The state legislature honored and commended Sue for her 17 years in public service as a representative by unanimously passing House Resolution 7 which recognized all of her achievements.
Throughout her legislative career, Sue was a fervent advocate for education reform, health care accessibility, environmental conservation, and the expansion of the role of pharmacy, significantly enhancing the quality of care for the citizens of Idaho. Known for being a champion of the underdog, Sue advocated for reform on indigent health care, disability rights, and adding sexual orientation and gender identity as classes protected against discrimination in state law.
During her tenure, Sue served on several committees. As the only pharmacist in the legislature, she made invaluable contributions to the Health and Welfare committee, providing critical insight into health care legislation and benefiting the lives of countless individuals across the state.
Her active participation in various organizations exemplified her commitment to advancing the rights and welfare of women and underrepresented groups.
In recognition of her public service, Sue received various community awards, including the 2003 Women Making History Award, the 2006 Cultural Center Service Award, the 2013 Outstanding Legislative Advocacy Achievement Award from the Idaho Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health, the 2014 Idaho Democratic Party Legislator of the Year, the 2019 Idaho Health Care Champion, and the 2019 Certificate of Recognition from
Latino Families with Children and Adults with Developmental Disabilities.
Most recently, the Idaho State Pharmacy Association, the Idaho Health-System Pharmacy Association and the Idaho Board of Pharmacy established the Sue Chew Excellence in Public Service and Healthcare Advocacy Award. This award was named in her honor and will be given out annually to inspire current and future pharmacists to engage in public service and advocacy, contributing to the improvement of health care policies and practices within the state of Idaho.
Sue is survived by siblings Jonathan (Sherri) Chew, Kristina (John Pappas), Justin Chew; nephews Alan (Kimberly) Wun, Alexander Wun, Austin Chew; niece Sabrina Chew. Sue also leaves behind her large extended family in the San Francisco Bay Area, and an expansive family of friends and supporters throughout Boise, where Sue was an integral and cherished part of the community.
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate in memory of Sue Chew to Wassmuth Center for Human Rights Education Center (see https://wassmuthcenter.org/wassmuth-education-center/ ).
A public viewing will be held, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Bowman Funeral Parlor, 10254 W. Carlton Bay Dr., Garden City, Idaho.
A funeral service will be held, 4:00 pm, Sunday, April 28, 2024 at the Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 6200 N. Garrett St., Boise, Idaho.
To attend the service virtually please visit https://boiseuu.org click on “virtual service”
To watch Sue’s video tribute please visit https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/KGFTBJTB6HS74XMP