Helen OH

Jang Chung Cha was born on April 21, 1943, in the rural town of Yongdong, South Korea, one of six siblings. In 1963, she met her future husband, Oh In Sup, through a match arranged by her eldest brother. Oh In Sup was a successful and dashing government agent, and she was immediately smitten. The couple married in December 1964 and soon welcomed a son and a daughter.

In 1972, the family immigrated to the United States in search of greater opportunity. Although Oh In Sup spoke two languages and could read three, English was not one of them. With the support of extended family and through sheer determination, they persevered.

In 1975, they welcomed their third child. In 1984 they became naturalized U.S. citizens and adopted the names Thomas and Helen Oh.

Through sacrifice, discipline, and tireless hard work, they saved enough to purchase their first home and eventually settled in West Covina, California. There, they pursued their entrepreneurial dreams, owning and operating a retail gift store, followed by a dry-cleaning business, and later a fast-food restaurant. Each venture reflected their unwavering work ethic and devotion to providing for their family.

In 1985, they returned to San Diego, where they opened Hanil Market, a business that became a valued hub for the local Korean community. After retiring in 1998, Helen devoted herself fully to her children and grandchildren, whom she cherished deeply.

As an immigrant, she embodied the American spirit of perseverance, hard work, and giving back. Known for her indomitable spirit and the patience of a saint, she faced life’s challenges with grace, humility, and quiet strength. Her boundless love and steady presence left an enduring mark on all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Helen is survived by her devoted husband of 62 years, Thomas; her three children: son Jung and his wife Janet Melton Oh, daughter Jennifer and her husband Glen Bourque, and son Mark and his wife Autumn Jones-Oh; grandchildren (Jessica, Calvin, Everett, and Hayley), step grandchildren (Nikki and Khaiyl) and step great grandchildren (Riley, Logan and Hunter), all of whom will carry her legacy of resilience, kindness, and love in their hearts forever.