Soonyi Cho, at age 68, passed away on August 14, 2025, in her home with her two daughters by her side, after a heroic fight against ALS.

Soonyi Cho was born on December 12, 1956, in Songtahn, South Korea. She grew up in Korea, attended Sook Myung University, and earned a bachelor’s degree in biology. She immigrated to the United States with her husband, Sahwan Kim, and their two daughters, Joy (Yoonjun) and Dawn (Doyun). She was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother. She was actively involved in her church, and loved to sing in the church choir. In addition to her beautiful voice, she had many talents and loved to learn new skills throughout her life, some of which included multiple traditional Korean instruments, the saxophone, and traditional Korean dance. An avid reader of all genres of literature and non-fiction, she herself wrote beautiful, moving poetry and heartfelt letters to her daughters.  She was also gifted at crocheting and especially loved to crochet beautiful hats, gloves, sweaters, and many adorable toys for her daughters and grandchildren.

Soonyi Cho is survived by her daughters and their father, Joy Foster, Dawn Balcom, and Sahwan Kim; her grandchildren, Oliver and Lyla Balcom; her sisters, Taekyung Cho, Taeim Cho, and Taenam Cho; and her brother Taekwan Cho.

A memorial service will be held at Wilhelm's Portland Memorial (6705 SE 14th Ave, Portland, OR 97202) on October 25, 2025 at 2:00 PM.