Youn Sook Pak

Youn Sook Pak (Choi), 72, entered the world on the 15th day of the sixth lunar month in 1954, passing peacefully on Thursday, September 17, 2026. During her lifetime, she was cherished as wife, mom, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend by those most fortunate.

She was born in South Korea’s post-war countryside to a large family of nine children. Seeking opportunities for her future children, she bravely joined her husband, Ju Hun, as the lone sibling to cross the Pacific, first moving to Ventura, CA and then establishing roots in Irvine, CA. Youn’s life purpose was to treasure her son, Paul, and daughter, Tara, relentlessly. Losing her own mom at age six, she knew how precious a mother’s love was to her children.

Her passions were many, with most focused on caring for those around her. Youn embraced Jesus Christ early in her journey and found joy in his warmth and abundant love. She nurtured not only the spiritual wellbeing of her loved ones, but also their physical health with her self-taught expertise in nutrition. Ahead of her time, Youn cleansed her family of toxins through activated charcoal, freshly pulverized celery juice, and ginger tea so strong its sting outweighed the pain of illness.

She also instilled in them the value of giving, visiting local homeless shelters with vegan lasagnas adorned in cashew cheese. Youn’s example would later inspire her daughter’s 11-year career in helping end homelessness, with her amiable disposition inherited by her son. Her resilience, doggedness, and ambition also add to the unending list of traits that made her presence both loved and feared.

For Youn, living forever was always the goal. Second best was reuniting with her parents, Choi Suk Il and Hong Kook See, and eldest brother, Choi Young Gwang, in heaven. Those who remain at a loss without Youn are her dutiful husband, Ju Hun Pak; devoted children, Paul Pak (Bora) and Tara Pak; doted-upon granddaughters, Hailey and Rebecca Pak; and many nieces and nephews. Youn’s siblings on earth, whom she so dearly loved, also send her off as she ascends: Choi Myung Gwang, Choi Shin Gwang, Choi Moon Ja, Choi Bu Ja, Choi Youn Hwa, Choi Youn Hee, and Choi Youn Won. She missed them with her whole being each day.

Youn is held lovingly and resolutely in her family and friends’ hearts and minds as they learn to navigate life with her guidance now in spirit.

A Funeral Service will be held at Rose Hills Memorial Park - Memorial Chapel, 3888 Workman Mill Rd, Whittier, CA 90601, US, on October 1, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Final resting place will be at Rose Hills Memorial Park, 3888 Workman Mill Rd, Whittier, in Oak Haven Lawn, Gate 1, Row 1, Lot 8505, Space 1.