Chan Op Hong

Apr 22, 1940 -

Jun 21, 2025

Chan Op Hong passed away quietly on June 21, 2025, in Anchorage, Alaska, with her eldest daughter holding her hand. She was born in Busan, Korea, a middle child with several brothers and sisters. In 1959, she married Yang Min Hong in Busan, where they had two daughters. The family moved to Seoul, had another daughter and a son, and later immigrated to Anchorage in 1979.

Chan Op was expert at identifying, harvesting and preserving any edible wild plants she saw, as well as harvesting and preparing the bounty from the sea. She honed these skills as a child, gathering to help feed her family, and continued enjoying them in Alaska well into her later years. Her joys were the mountains, singing, laughing with her sisters and taking care of her beautiful skin. She was an excellent cook and could prepare any traditional Korean foods, including all kinds of kimchi and even brewing her own soy sauce.

Chan Op is survived by two of her daughters and son, Hyun Sook Krasnican (Jamey), Hyun Mi Kim (Song) and Shawn Hong (Gill); grandchildren, Sarah, Jason, and Daniel Kim, Julien Hong (Brittany) and Thomas Krasnican (Morgan); two baby great-granddaughters; most of her brothers and sisters; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband; one of her daughters, Hyun Kyung; and two brothers.

Chan Op's family held a Celebration of Life and Family Reunion in her honor in summer 2024 in Anchorage. In the last 11 months, she spoke often of how much it blessed her and that she wanted that time to be her memorial service. Family will spread her ashes in Prince William Sound, in the same bay as those of her husband.