Continuing a Legacy of Care

Marie Cheng-Yi King

Marie Cheng-Yi King, an Oakland University physical therapy graduate (class of 1988) who worked in the field for 36 years, passed away on November 23, 2024. Her husband, Christopher J. King, Jr., and daughter, Alexandra (Alex) Robin King, have created a scholarship for OU Doctor of Physical Therapy students in honor of her legacy. 

Marie was born on January 17, 1949 in Beijing, China and was raised in Taiwan. Her passion for physical therapy began at the Cheng-Hsin Rehabilitation Center where she helped treat polio patients. While at this position, she worked towards a Bachelor’s degree in English at Fu Jen University. 

Marie Cheng-Yi King and Christopher J. King, Jr.

At a Christmas party in 1974, Marie met Christopher King, an American living in Taiwan at the time, and approached him for help with some of her courses. As the saying goes, opposites attract – Marie’s Type-A personality, often described by others as “the Energizer Bunny,” and Chris’ easy-going approach to life were a great match. Three years later, on January 1, 1978, Marie Cheng-Yi and Christopher J. King, Jr. tied the knot and began their life together.

Marie and her daughter, Alex

The couple moved to the United States that August, which meant Marie left her physical therapy certificates behind and had to start anew. After briefly taking classes at Lansing Community College, she transferred to Oakland University’s physical therapy program in 1985. Around the same time, Marie and Chris welcomed their first and only child, Alexandra King, who – in her mother’s spirit – went on to earn a Ph.D. in Philosophy from Brown University and pursue a career as a professor.

Marie (pink dress, fourth from left in middle row) with the Oakland University Physical Therapy Class of 1988

Marie graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy from Oakland University in 1988. In a career that spanned 36 years, she worked for many different organizations, made great friends, inspired patients and impressed employers. Marie often said that she would be a physical therapist for free, and that the money was just a bonus. “She loved helping people,” Chris says. “She felt like she was teaching them how to live their life.”

Despite her demanding work schedule, Marie always made time for other pursuits. Her passion for health and physical fitness was not just occupational but personal – she jumped rope every morning and did self-assigned physical therapy exercises religiously. She even managed to make time for hobbies like crafting, cooking and gardening.

Chris and Marie

In early 2023, Marie was diagnosed with lymphoma. With Chris by her side, she successfully underwent a full course of chemotherapy; even then, she chose not to retire. Sadly, she passed away from an aggressive relapse in 2024.

“Marie was very driven,” Chris says. “She could focus on things and really lock in, and she was 100% committed to her job.” Alex adds, “She was extremely hard working, and also stubborn by disposition because she was an immigrant and had to fight her whole life for everything she got.”

Marie treating a patient in a clinic

To further solidify her legacy as one of dedication, passion and care for others – the way it has always been for her family, friends, coworkers and patients –  Chris and Alex created the Marie Cheng-Yi King Scholarship for Physical Therapy. “The death of a loved one is painful beyond words,” Alex says. “But one way to cope is to create something in the world, in that person’s spirit, that will have a life beyond them. And we couldn’t think of a better way to keep her legacy and her spirit alive than to create something enduring for the profession that gave her life such richness and meaning.”

With an initial donation of $36,000 from the Kings ($1,000 for every year that Marie worked as a physical therapist in the United States), the endowment was born. Chris says, “I hope to help other people gain that step up in the profession that Marie loved.” Alex adds, “I hope it makes it easier for people to flourish, especially those who – like my mom – start with little but work very hard and are passionate about physical therapy.” 

To give to the endowment, visit the SHS Giving page and select “SHS-Endowed Scholarship-The Marie Cheng-Yi King Scholarship for Physical Therapy (61705).”