Suncha Ham Calderon

Sue was born on September 19, 1936, in Wonsan, Korea, the youngest of six children. Her mother, Tong Ry-on Kim, was a teacher, and her father, Tae Young Ham, was also a teacher before later becoming a dentist. Her childhood was shaped by extraordinary hardship during the Japanese occupation of Korea and the Korean War. Despite those difficult years, Sue often shared fond memories of growing up in Wonsan, recalling its breathtaking beauty and the abundance of fresh seafood that made it such a special place.

From an early age, Sue excelled in academics and was a gifted athlete. Whether it was basketball, volleyball, or soccer, she excelled in every sport and was frequently recognized as the Most Valuable Player. There was rarely an athletic challenge she was not willing to try-and master.

Sue earned her associate degree at Soo Do Women's Medical College before marrying the love of her life, Benignus "Ben" Calderon, on February 15, 1959, at the Base Chapel at Kimpo Air Base in Kimpo, Korea. Together they built a life filled with love, adventure, and family.

Ben's career in the United States Air Force took the family around the world, with assignments in Korea, Virginia, Maine, England, and ultimately Sunnymead, California. Along the way, Sue began her career in retail, serving as a department manager at military base exchanges. After settling in Sunnymead she found her true professional home as the manager of Riverside Office Supply, where her leadership, work ethic, and dedication earned the admiration of both customers and colleagues. When the business closed following the owners' retirement, Sue became a store manager for Stockwell and Binney. Her exceptional performance consistently placed her among the company's top managers, earning numerous awards, including the company's annual trip for its highest-performing store manager. She remained in that role until retiring to lovingly care for her husband.

While Sue found success in her career, her greatest joy was being a grandmother. She embraced the role wholeheartedly and devoted herself to her four beloved grandchildren. She often joked that she had "two sets of twins"-Zachary and Connor, who were born just six days apart, and her actual twins, Elijah and Maya. Nothing brought her greater happiness than spending time with them.

Sue became a cherished volunteer at Hidden Springs Elementary School where she served as a classroom "Grandma," managed the Accelerated Reading Store, and held several terms on the PTA Board. She delighted in watching her grandchildren and countless other children participate in sports and school activities. To so many, she was simply-and affectionately-known as "Grandma," a title she treasured above all others.

Sue was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ben; her son, Joseph; her parents; and five siblings.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Janet (Tim) and Jacqueline; daughter-in-law, Kathy; grandchildren, Zachary, Connor, Elijah, and Maya; and many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Sue's life was one of resilience, determination, generosity, and unwavering love for her family. She touched countless lives through her kindness, strength, and joyful spirit. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

A Funeral Service will be held at Miller-Jones Mortuary and Crematory, 23618 Sunnymead Blvd, Moreno Valley, CA 92553, US, on July 28, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, followed by a Committal Service at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92518, US, on July 28, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm.