Tamara Kim

Tamara Kim, known lovingly as Tamara Yakovlevna, passed away peacefully at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, generosity, humor, and unwavering faith. Born on April 17, 1935, in Partizansk, Primorsky Krai of the Russian Far East, Tamara’s life began during a difficult era, but she met every trial with quiet courage and a steadfast spirit.

She was only three years old when Stalin’s political repressions uprooted her Korean family and exiled them to the Kazakh Soviet Republic. Loaded into a train car and transported thousands of miles, her family was left with nothing but one another and the vast steppe near Karaganda. With the help of local people, they began again. Life was unimaginably hard. Food was scarce, shelter was uncertain, and her mother worked constantly to keep the family alive. In these early years Tamara learned self-reliance, discipline, and the importance of compassion — lessons that would shape the woman she became.

Tamara was one of eight children, though many siblings passed before she ever had a chance to know them. She cherished the memory of her only sister, who preceded her in death nearly three decades ago. Growing up with little guidance and almost no comfort, Tamara raised herself with remarkable determination. She became ambitious, hardworking, and perceptive, rising from custodian to student, to secretary, to eventually leading a team in a Scientific and Technical Information Department — a career she proudly devoted over 35 years of her life to.

Later, Tamara became a mother — her most cherished role. She raised her daughter as a single parent. Through two and sometimes three jobs at a time, she provided everything she could: food in the fridge, clothes of good quality, an orderly home filled with care and love. She once said that beauty requires sacrifice, and she lived that truth — giving all she had so her daughter could grow strong, independent, and confident. Her love was practical, loyal, and deeply sacrificial.

Tamara was gifted in many ways. A talented cook, she nourished countless people with her hands and her heart. She had a small dacha plot where she grew vegetables, berries, and flowers — finding joy in the soil, the fresh air, and the work. She claimed she didn’t sing, but her daughter remembers her voice filling their home as she went about her chores. She had a sharp sense of humor, a vibrant spirit, and an inability to sit still — always active, always striving, always caring for someone.

Her favorite colors were blue, pink, white, and light gray, bright tones that matched the cheer she brought into every space. She loved stylish, well-made clothing, even when money was tight. She gave freely and humbly, never asking for praise, and never compromising her integrity. She was honest — sometimes bluntly so — fiercely just, and never manipulative or insincere. People trusted her because she was genuine.

In her 60s, Tamara became a Christian, although she said she had always believed in God, even in Soviet times when faith was forbidden. “I believe He exists,” she said, “because He helps me when I need Him the most.” She felt God’s hand guiding her throughout her life, protecting her and giving her strength. Her faith gave her peace, courage, and hope.

Reflecting on her life, Tamara said:

“I think I’ve lived a good life — both morally and physically. Even when it was hard, I did my best. I made choices, took opportunities, and did what I wanted to. God was with me, and He helped me get through. I consider myself a lucky person.”

She was proud of her work, proud of her accomplishments, and above all, proud of her family. Her proudest moments were when her children and grandchildren came together, shared stories, and carried forward the lessons she instilled. She hoped others learned from her boldness, her energy, her knowledge, and her example of perseverance.

She loved to care for people. She loved humor. She loved Russian songs. She loved her garden, her cooking, her home, and most of all, the people around her. She hoped to be remembered for her service to others — and she will be.

Tamara is survived by her beloved daughter, her four grandchildren, and her niece and nephew with their families. She leaves behind generations who knew her, loved her, and will forever remember her strength and her warmth.

She will be remembered as a woman with a big heart, a persistent spirit, and a deep faith. A woman who struggled yet never gave up. A woman who found joy in work and beauty in sacrifice. A woman who believed in God’s guidance and lived with gratitude.

Tamara Kim will be laid to rest at Eternal Hills Memorial Park, located at 1999 El Camino Real, Oceanside.