08/28/2026
Chong Suk “Sugi” Yu, a beloved mother, grandmother, friend, and unforgettable presence to all who knew her, passed away on March 5, 2026, at the age of 74, following a courageous battle with stage 4 lung cancer.
Born in South Korea, Sugi came to the United States in her late twenties and built a beautiful life through determination, talent, hard work, and an extraordinary capacity to love.
Before coming to America, Sugi was an accomplished opera singer in Korea. Her remarkable voice earned her a full scholarship to pursue opera, and she was truly gifted. Music and singing remained a lifelong passion.
In America, Sugi built a successful career as a hairdresser, where her clients often became lifelong friends. People came to her for her talent, but stayed for her warmth, humor, honesty, and unmistakable personality.
Sugi was one of a kind. She was hysterically funny, wonderfully blunt, fiercely honest, deeply caring, and full of life. She had strong opinions and was never afraid to share them. She loved to cook, sing, surround herself with beautiful things, and had the best style of anyone her family knew. She brought laughter, love, and personality wherever she went.
But above all else, Sugi was a mother.
She was an exceptionally attentive and loving mother to her daughter, Janey. She noticed everything, remembered everything, worried about everything, and loved fiercely. To be loved by Sugi was to know that someone was always thinking about...
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