Ok Sun Chin

Ok Sun Chin (née Ok Sun Hui) was born on January 24, 1945, and passed away on January 13, 2026.

Ok Sun’s early life was marked by challenge. Because of circumstances related to her father’s political beliefs, he was absent throughout her childhood, and her mother raised her and her brother on her own. Those circumstances later affected Ok Sun’s early nursing career, and at one point she was told she could not continue her work at Seoul Hospital. While traveling home by train, she shared her situation with a fellow passenger. Shortly after returning to her small hometown, she received a call asking her to return to the hospital. The person she had met was part of the hospital’s administration, and she was able to continue her career at Seoul Hospital, where she would eventually become head nurse. That chance encounter marked a turning point, allowing her to continue the career she had worked so hard to build.

Ok Sun later married Yung Min Chin. As the oldest son in his family, he carried a strong sense of responsibility toward his family, a value she shared. After their marriage, they chose to continue supporting his family financially, sending all of Ok Sun’s paycheck while they lived on his. They immigrated to the United States in 1973. Even when life in a new country was difficult, they continued to support his family in South Korea. In time, they were able to bring his brother and two sisters to the United States, where the family built new lives, raised families of their own, and found stability and opportunity.

After immigrating, Ok Sun continued her nursing career, working as a registered nurse for more than 40 years. She was known for her strength of will, her frankness, and her dry sense of humor. She could be stubborn and contrary, but she was also deeply generous and loyal, especially to those she loved.

She delighted in traveling and trying new things and was always eager to explore new restaurants and shops. She had a particular fondness for supporting small, local, mom-and-pop businesses. She also had a quiet but enduring compassion for people who were struggling and did what she could to help improve their circumstances. Generosity was a steady thread throughout her life.

After retiring, taekwondo became a joyful and important part of Ok Sun’s life, offering both physical challenge and friendship. After class, she enjoyed spending time with her friends, often lingering over coffee at McDonald’s.

She was a loving mother to Hana, Nana, and Jefferson, and a devoted grandmother to Zoe and Sophia, who brought her immense joy. She was also very proud of her younger brother, a schoolteacher, and of his children, a daughter and two sons.

She is survived by her husband, Yung Min Chin; her children, Hana, Nana, and Jefferson; her grandchildren, Zoe and Sophia; her brother; and two nephews and a niece. She was predeceased by her parents.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., at Schram Chapel, 1799 Patriot Blvd., Glenview, Illinois.”