Young Hee Kim

Dec. 9, 1941 - Nov. 16, 2025

Portland, Ore.

Young Hee Kim — beloved mother, cherished grandmother, and faithful friend — whose kind heart and generous spirit touched many, passed away peacefully after a long fight with Alzheimer’s disease on Nov. 16, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Young Hee was born on Dec. 9, 1941, in Seoul, South Korea, to Moo Ci and Heung Ahn Lee. She left Seoul in 1977 and immigrated to America to start a better life for her three children. She worked as a seamstress in a New York City sweatshop to provide for her family. She was a fighter, and a true pillar of strength for her family.

In 2004, she moved to Portland, Ore., where she dedicated her life to raising her two grandchildren. With a smile on her face and a sparkle in her eyes, she spent her afternoons playing games with them and cooking mouth wateringly delicious Korean meals. Most importantly, she taught them how to lead a life of courage and love, just as she had.

Young Hee loved reading, cooking, going on long walks, and spending time with her family.

She is survived by her three children, You Min, Lauren, and Ernest; her grandchildren, Jamie and Cate; and four of her siblings, Ki Whan Lee, Young Ok Choi, Young Whan Lee, and Young Ju Lee. She was preceded in death by her husband, Kwang Bai Kim, and two of her siblings, Young Sook Whang and Ju Whan Lee. She will be missed dearly by her family and friends.

The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 2:00 pm, followed by a catered reception at 3:00 pm, at Skyline Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, at 4101 NW Skyline Blvd., Portland, OR 97229.

Burial will take place on Monday, November 24, 2025, at 11AM at Skyline Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 4101 NW Skyline Blvd., Portland, OR 97229, all are welcome.

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