Soon Sook Kojima

(Agatha Yang)

January 16, 1937 – July 29, 2026

Soon Sook Kojima, known affectionately in her church community as Agatha Yang, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2026, in Westminster, California, at the age of 89. She was a woman of unwavering conviction, deep faith, and devotion to her family.

A Life Built on Resilience

Born in North Korea on January 16, 1937, Soon’s life was shaped early on by fundamental shifts. During the Korean War, her mother, Choon Sam Yang (Anna), fled with her to South Korea to build a new future. She spent her youth growing up in Seoul before taking a bold step across the world to New York City to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), where she learned the intricate craft of pattern making.

Family and Career

Moving to Los Angeles as a single mother, Soon built a long, respected career in the women’s fashion industry, working as a pattern maker for several major brands.

Her life was deeply intertwined with family. Her mother lived with her throughout her entire life, helping to raise her two sons, Jerry and Tommy, through their elementary, junior high, and high school years in Los Angeles. Demonstrating her deep sense of filial duty and love, Soon personally cared for her mother through her battle with Alzheimer’s disease until her passing.

Faith, Fellowship, and Tradition

A devout Catholic and active member of her local Korean church, Soon was known and loved by her parish family as Agatha Yang—a name that reflected both her sacred Catholic identity and her cherished family roots. She lived her faith with clear conviction and maintained a close-knit circle of family and friends, traveling with them to sacred Catholic pilgrimage sites around the world as well as on trips back to South Korea.

She was also an exceptional cook, famous among those close to her for making the best Korean BBQ—a tradition that brought family and friends together around her table.

Legacy

In her final years in Westminster, Orange County, as she faced her own struggles with memory loss, her conviction and spirit remained steady. She passed away peacefully, leaving behind a profound legacy of devotion, loyalty, and faith.

Soon Sook Kojima is survived by her sons, Jerry and Tommy, and her memory will be cherished by all who knew her.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." — 2 Timothy 4:7

The honor of your presence is requested at the Funeral Service in remembrance of Soon Sook Kojima on Thursday August 20, 2026, at Glendale Funeral Home 511 S. Central Ave, Glendale, CA 91204. Doors open at 10:30am and Catholic Funeral Service to begin at 11:30 AM. Light lunch and refreshments will be served.

Additional service information listed below.