The City of Pittsburgh and the medical community of Allegheny County are mourning the loss of a true healer. Dr. Catherine Udekwu, MD, a board-certified pediatrician and Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, passed away peacefully on February 1, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
A Global Journey to Healing
Dr. Udekwu’s journey in medicine began at the University of Nigeria, where she received her medical degree. Seeking to bring her expertise to the United States, she moved to Pennsylvania and completed her residency at UPMC Mercy. For decades, she served as a pillar of the Pittsburgh healthcare system, combining clinical excellence with a maternal warmth that was unmistakable to all who entered her office.
The ‘Best Pediatrician the City Has Ever Known’
To her patients, Dr. Udekwu was far more than a doctor; she was a mentor, a leader, and a “faithful servant.” Known affectionately by many as an “African Queen,” she was celebrated for her unique ability to validate parents’ instincts. She was a rare practitioner who supported holistic approaches and empowered mothers to trust their own intuition while providing expert medical guidance.
“She touched the lives of so many patients,” shared one of the many families she served. “She was one of the funniest, most beautiful, and inspiring women inside and out. She was the best pediatrician the City of Pittsburgh has ever known.“
A Legacy of Care Beyond the Clinic
Even while facing her own private health battles, Dr. Udekwu remained fiercely dedicated to her families. Her patients remember her not just for checking their children’s vitals, but for checking on the well-being of the parents themselves. She believed that a healthy child required a supported parent, and she lived that philosophy every day.
Her children shared a message of gratitude to the community: “Our mother loved all of you—her patients, families, and coworkers—so dearly. Thank you for all your love and support through this difficult time.“
Legacy and Family
Dr. Udekwu is survived by her children and a vast “extended family” of patients whose lives were shaped by her advice and care. Her impact on Allegheny County is immeasurable, and her leadership in pediatric medicine will be felt for generations to come.