Obituary

Okja Memorial

Okja Yoo Shin was born August 7, 1940 in Nagoya Japan, the youngest of five children to Sung Suk Yoo, a Lay Elder, and Sun Chae.  In 1945, the family returned to their native country Korea.

Throughout her life, Okja, a devout Christian, enjoyed a rich spiritual life with daily prayer and bible study, church and choir membership. She also taught Sunday school in her youth.  Although her formal education was interrupted by financial hardship upon her father’s death at an early age, Okja persevered and attended Hyosung Womens college in South Korea on scholarship before marrying Dr. Hyun Won Shin in 1963.

Shortly after the birth of their first daughter, Grace (1964), the family immigrated to the United States where her only son, Ken (1967), and her two daughters, Christine (1969), and Linda (1970) were born and raised.

Apart from her tireless devotion to family life and her faith, Okja’s interests were numerous and varied.  She became an accomplished oil and china painter and potter, bringing home prize ribbons from the annual fair in Saginaw, Michigan, where she resided for over 30 years.  On the golf course, Okja, like the many South Korean women pros, showed natural talent for the sport, winning the golf tournament at the Saginaw Country Club on more than one occasion.

In 2013, the Shins relocated to Laguna Woods Village where Okja’s artistic pursuits thrived.  Spending countless hours in classes and the art studio where she produced beautiful pottery, sculptures and calligraphy.  She could also be found line dancing, playing ping pong, and regularly walking the loop in Gate 14.

After being widowed in 2015 and predeceased by her beloved only son in 2017, Okja was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer earlier this year. During her illness, she was fortunate to have and grateful for the support of her church community and many friends.

She passed away in her sleep in Laguna Woods Village on October 6, 2021 surrounded by her three adoring daughters (Grace (Chris Baker), Christine and Linda).   She is survived by her older sisters (Chun Hee and Chun Ja), her cherished granddaughters (Hannah, Sarah and Claire Chung; Emma and Janie Baker; Phoebe Chai) and precious grandsons (Elliott and Oliver Chai).

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Pancreatic Cancer, https://www.pancan.org/, or your favorite humanitarian cause.