Soon Hi Schleigh

Soon Hi Cho Schleigh, age 86, of San Antonio, Texas, passed away on November 16, 2024. She was born on February 6, 1938 in Kyunggido, South Korea. Her life was profoundly impacted by the Korean War, during which her family became refugees in South Korea. After the war she returned to a changed and impoverished home, a formative experience that instilled in her resilience, resourcefulness and determination to build a better future.

She met Sgt. Major Thomas A. Schleigh, Sr. in Korea, and their relationship bridged continents and after a long-distance courtship, she married and immigrated to Hagerstown, Maryland. Despite knowing very little English upon her arrival, Soon Hi thrived in her new home, embodying the strength and adaptability that defined her life. Later, she pursued her passion for beauty and self-expression by studying to become a beautician, a career she cherished for over 20 years.

Soon Hi had a deep love for gardening, playing cards with friends, watching Korean soap operas, and shopping. However, her true passion was cooking and feeding those around her, bringing joy and comfort to all who sat at her table. She was also an active member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church, where she participated in the Guadalupano Society and Catholic Daughters of the Americas. She was active too in the Korean Catholic Community for many years.

Above all, Soon Hi, was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a constant source of love, strength, and warmth for her children and grandchildren.

Soon Hi is survived by her South Korean brother and sister, her eldest son, Thomas A. Schleigh, Jr. and his beloved wife, Doris Harris Schleigh, her daughter Linda O'Connor, adopted son Edward Schleigh, and grandchildren: Lane O’Connor and Dana O’Connor, and Kyle Schleigh, Michael Schleigh, and Nicholas Schleigh. She was preceded in death by her father, Kyung Chung Cho, mother Sun Duk Park, a beloved sister and brother, and her husband, Thomas A Schleigh, Sr. of over fifty years, whom she now joins in peaceful eternal rest. Their wedding day was on December 9, 1958. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her for her faith, warmth, generosity, and unwavering love.

A Rosary for Soon will be held Monday, December 9, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM at Sunset Funeral Home, 1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio, TX 78218.

A Memorial Service will occur Monday, December 9, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM, 1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio, TX 78218.

A Reception will occur Monday, December 9, 2024 from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, 1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio, TX 78218.

A Committal Service will occur Monday, December 9, 2024 from 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Thomas More Catholic Church, San Antonio, Texas. Soon Hi Schleigh leaves a legacy of love with all who knew her; her family is forever blessed by her constant faith and never-ending love and presence.