Obituary of Kuk "Kim" Chon

Kuk Cha “Kim” Chon, 81, passed away Friday morning, February 16, 2024, in Columbia, SC. Born in Incheon, South Korea, Kuk Cha immigrated with her family to the United States in 1977. She and her husband, Yong Sop opened St. Andrews Seafood Market in 1983, where she diligently worked every day until February 2023. Her passionate and lively personality was loved by all her customers, which was a big factor in the long success of the business.

 

Throughout her life, Kuk Cha was viewed as a generous and personable woman who loved animals. She is notably remembered for making the rounds to feed stray animals, mainly cats, in various locations in the Columbia and Irmo areas. Besides her work at the fish market, her greatest passions were singing and writing, and she even aspired to publish her own book. However, what was most important to Kuk Cha was her family and friends. She loved her children and had an even greater love for her grandchildren, who were her pride and joy.  Kuk Cha’s remembrance is cherished and survived by her son, James Chon (Jin Young) and daughter, Chae Encarnacion (Jose), as well as her grandchildren, Ashley, Andrew and Christine.

 

The family would like to extend their profound gratitude to Mrs. Yim, a good friend who had provided Kuk Cha with delicious Korean food which has helped to prolong her life.

 

The family will be having a small private viewing and funeral at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

 

In lieu of flowers, her family asks that donations be made to the ASPCA in her memory.