Born in Port of Spain, Trinidad, on 2 January 1964, Jillia Anne Chong studied medicine at the University of the West Indies, Jamaica, completed a degree in surgical science and did junior posts in Trinidad, before going to England to do the FRCS. She was appointed staff grade breast surgeon to Ealing Hospital in 1997, where she quickly became a favourite in the breast unit and set up innovative data systems. She was a keen athlete and an excellent cook. She developed cancer herself, faced the diagnosis with great courage and, after ten months, died on 17 August 2002. She is survived by her partner and son.