Young Sook Park

In Loving Memory of Young Sook Park

March 14, 1943 – May 16, 2025

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in her memory to Fort Lee Gospel Church in Fort Lee, NJ.  The link for donations is located below the obituary. 

With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Young Sook Park, a beloved mother, sister, daughter, mentor, and friend, who passed away peacefully, surrounded by love, on May 16, 2025, at the age of 82.

Born in North Korea, Young Sook and her family courageously escaped to South Korea when she was a young child. She went on to pursue her education at Ewha Womans University in Seoul and earned her Master of Divinity from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1974. Throughout her life, she dedicated herself to serving others—working with women’s, youth, and children’s organizations and later helping inner-city communities in Chicago. She also owned and operated various businesses, continuing to work well into her later years.

A devoted Christian and longtime member of Fort Lee Gospel Church, Young Sook lived her life with grace, faith, and compassion. She was known for her optimism, kindness, wisdom, stoicism, wit, and remarkable resilience. Even while facing personal health challenges, including more than 11 years on dialysis, she remained strong in spirit and unwavering in her love for others.

She found joy in spending time with family and friends, reading, walking, knitting, and mentoring those around her. Her greatest legacy is the countless lives she touched through her generosity, faith, and service.

Young Sook is survived by her children, Eugene Kong and Sujene Kong; her son-in-law, Christian Heifner; her siblings, Chun Hee, Chris, Ken, Esther, and Heather; many nieces and nephews; and a wide circle of friends and loved ones. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Lawrence Kong; her parents, Sul Hee Roh and Song Hak Park; and her brother, Geun Ho.

A funeral service will be held at Fort Lee Gospel Church, 1625 Palisade Avenue, Fort Lee, NJ 07024, at 12:00 PM on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Burial will follow at 1:30 PM at George Washington Memorial Park, 234 Paramus Road, Paramus, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in her memory to Fort Lee Gospel Church in Fort Lee, NJ. Below is the link.

https://secure.myvanco.com/YNVA/campaign/C-Z2P5

Though she is no longer with us, her love and light will remain in our hearts forever.