Patricia Sinpei Cheng

Dr. Patricia Cheng, a clinical psychologist who helped hundreds of children and families, died of cancer Oct. 29 in her Durham home. She was 45. 

She was born in Augusta, GA to Dr. Charles Cheng and Mouchu Cheng, both immigrants from China. She graduated from Evans High School and earned degrees from UNC-Chapel Hill and the University of Georgia. She spent a year in Seattle as an Americorps volunteer, where she opened a thrift store to help homeless Seattleites gain work experience for future employment. Her early work in clinical psychology in Athens and Chicago focused on children facing medical illnesses. She served as an assistant professor of medical psychology at Duke University Medical Center for 10 years before starting her private practice in Durham, where she continued to treat children and adolescents. 

Dr. Cheng and her husband, Dr. Sammy Banawan, found their greatest joy in parenting their two children and spending time with family and friends. They were involved in soccer, dance, music, Girl Scouts, and Mindful Families of Durham. They traveled the world together, visiting Spain, France, and Japan.

Dr. Cheng is survived by her husband and their children, Zeki and Raya; her parents; and her sisters, Dr. Julie Cheng Brown and Vicki Cheng. 

Patty loved the earth and wanted to leave a healthy planet for her children. To honor her memory, please consider a donation to the Sierra Club at https://www.teamsierra.org/memorial/pattycheng