Heaja Cho Wichman

This obituary was lovingly submitted by the family of Heaja Cho Wichman.

Heaja Cho Wichman of Beltsville, MD, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2025. Born on December 13, 1934, in South Korea, she was 91 years old.

She was predeceased by her husband, Ernest Hermsen Wichman, a son Anthony Cho Wichman, her parents, and her five siblings.

She is survived by her sons Peter John Wichman and Ernest Patrick Wichman (Laurie); Nephews Wonchul Chang, Youn-suk Lee (Woo-sam); Nieces Sara (Erich) Keyes, Grace (Eung Ho) An, and Jennifer (Kwang) Lee; Great Nephews John (Sandy) An, David (Grace) An, and Han-jung Lee; Great-Nieces Jeannie Lee, Caitlin-yoona Lee; Great-Great-Nephew Luke An (son of David and Grace An) and Great-Great-Niece Riley An (Daughter of John and Sandy An). Heaja is also survived by Nephews and Nieces in South Korea and their families.

In addition, she is also survived by Grandchildren Clinton (Flor) Deane, Amanda (Fernando) Meneses, Rosemary (Matthew) Deane Putnam, along with twelve Great-Grandchildren and one Great-Great Grandson through her son Ernest’s marriage.

Heaja married Ernest Hermsen Wichman in 1959 in South Korea. They had three sons. Ernest passed away unexpectedly in 1967. Heaja came to the United States from South Korea in 1970 with her three sons and settled in Odenton, MD. She later moved to Laurel, MD where she worked for The May Company at Hecht Co. department store in Laurel Centre Mall, retiring after thirty years. During this time, she moved to Beltsville, MD, in 1987. She remained a widow.

Heaja was very active in Korean Christian denomination churches for many years. She attended church services regularly. She loved to cook, and other hobbies she enjoyed were knitting, crocheting, and gardening. Heaja also enjoyed traveling, making trips to New York City, Nags Head North Carolina and Ocean City, Maryland, among other places.

Heaja worked very hard all her life raising her sons. She loved her family and friends very much, always looking forward to family celebrations. She will be remembered for her Beautiful smile, Faith in Jesus Christ, and her Great Love for her three sons, family, and friends. She will be Greatly missed.