Chen Chen Dunlap

Chen Chen Dunlap, 44, of Houston died February 28, 2016 after a stay at the Houston Hospice. In 2014 she underwent treatment for breast cancer, which was thought to be in remission. A native of China, Chen Chen came to the US in 1995 to study at Ohio University. There she earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration. She then went to Lamar University in 1999, where she earned an MBA, and met her future husband, Max Dunlap. While at Lamar, her master’s thesis “Mianzi, Guanxi, and Western Prospects in China” was published in the International Journal of Management. Chen also earned a master of accountancy at the University of Houston. She enjoyed animals, travel, arts and crafts, and shopping. One of her fondest memories was her opportunity to play with baby leopard cubs at the Columbus Zoo. She always felt her true calling was in an artistic field such as fashion, rather than commerce. This is borne out by Chen’s instinctive preference for beauty in music, art, and clothing. She enjoyed practicing her skills at Chinese calligraphy. Chen had a knack for finding the right gift for every occasion, as well as nosing out a good bargain, skills she learned from her mother. Although she did not enjoy it, Chen was an excellent cook who was able to replicate at home her favorite restaurant dishes. She was able to operate a pressure cooker from around age 6, a skill her husband has not mastered yet in his fifth decade. Chen would always make everyone feel welcome and effortlessly played a gracious hostess whatever the occasion. While lighthearted and gay in her hobbies, she was diligent and serious about her career, earning distinguished employee awards during her time as a State Tax accountant with several large oil-related companies. Coworkers know that she is a dutiful team member. Chen was a Certified Public Accountant in Texas. Chen is survived and beloved by husband Max Dunlap of Houston; father and mother, Chen Long Fa and Su Yu Wen of Shanghai; brother Chen Wei of Shanghai; nephew Chen Yi Jun of Shanghai; numerous in-laws including her husband’s parents, siblings, and nieces and nephews; parents in law, Mother in law Carla Dunlap of Pt. Neches, Phil and Georgia Dunlap of Beaumont; Sisters and brothers in law, Caroline and (Don) Blanding of Flora, Mississippi, Katie Rao of Beaumont, Clay and (Jolene) Dunlap of Portland, Oregon; Numerous nieces and nephews, Emma, Ella, Ensley and Michael Rao of Beaumont; Rhone Dunlap of Portland Oregon; Don Blanding of Flora, Mississippi as well as extended family and friends. Ever generous, Chen requested that her body be donated to research at UTMB, in hopes that some day she may help to inspire a cure for her rare condition (estrogen positive leptomeningeal disease). Ever practical, Chen would ask not to send flowers. She even chided her husband his lack of thrift for sending them on their 15th wedding anniversary last October. Instead, please consider a donation to The Chen Chen Dunlap Memorial Fund, Helping to give a stable home life to Chinese orphans through Chinese Children Adoption International (CCAI) Website: ccaifamily.org/charity/donationform.aspx In the box for “Comments/Suggestions” please enter “Chen Chen Dunlap Memorial Fund” Mailing address: CCAI 6920 S Holly Circle Centennial, CO 80112 Attn: Chen Chen Dunlap Memorial Fund Chen’s innocent spirit and gentle nature were evident to all who knew her. We will always carry her memory in our hearts. “Well done, good and faithful servant" A Memorial Mass celebrating Chen's life will be held Thursday, March 3, 2016 at 4:00 PM at St. Cyril of Alexandria Catholic Church, 10503 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77042. A reception for friends and family will follow Holy Mass at 5:30 PM at Zabak's Mediterranean Cafe, 5901 Westheimer Road, STE G, Houston, TX 77057, where Chen's favorite dish was Chcken Shawarma.

Chen Chen Dunlap

October 13, 1971 - February 28, 2016