Myung Sook Kim

Myung Sook “Sookie” Kim passed away on March 15, 2020 at IU Health North Hospital after an extended and brave fight against cancer.

Sookie was born in Ulleung-gun, a small island in South Korea, on November 5, 1949. She was the youngest of four sisters and spent most of her childhood in Pohang, South Korea in the years following the Korean War. Sookie received her Nursing Diploma from Kyung Book National University in Daegu, South Korea (1971) and shortly thereafter decided to pursue dreams of a better life in the United States. She immigrated to Oswego, NY in 1974 and took her first job at the Harr Wood Nursing Home.

She briefly returned to Korea to marry Kun Hong Kim on November 29, 1976 and they moved back to Oswego to start their new life together. They then spent most of their lives between Indianapolis, IN and Louisville, KY, where Sookie pursued further education and career opportunities. Like many Korean immigrants, Sookie valued education deeply and went on to earn a BS in Nursing from Indiana University (1989), and Master of Arts in Health Service Management from Webster University (1996).

Sookie spent her whole adult life caring for and serving others. She was, first and foremost, a dedicated and loving mother who tried to do her best for her only daughter, Jenny. This included working night shifts to be at home with Jenny during the day. But her compassionate and caring heart extended far beyond her family. Sookie spent her career in nursing and healthcare management – as an RN in the PICU (Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis and Kosair Children’s Hospital, Louisville) as well as a care manager and case
manager (Norton Hospital, Louisville and IU Health North Hospital, Indianapolis).

Sookie also cared deeply about her community. She was an active member of the Korean Presbyterian Church of Indianapolis and the Louisville Korean Presbyterian Church. She served on the leadership team for the National Association of Korean Schools and Global Children’s Fund. And at various times throughout her life, Sookie served as a liaison to American families adopting children from South Korea, helping bridge cultures in many ways, but always including delicious Korean food.

She is survived by her husband, Hong Kim, daughter Jenny Kim Giblin and her husband Adam Giblin, grandsons Cooper and Cameron, and many extended family members in South Korea. Sookie was predeceased by Ronnie, her Miniature Schnauzer and most faithful companion.
Before her passing she mentioned that she looked forward to seeing him again in heaven.

A memorial service will be scheduled when the current COVID-19 public health crisis passes. If you are interested in attending, please fill out this form https://forms.gle/HBmrAMEgat2V4N5y5 so we may keep you informed as plans are finalized in the coming months.