Hui Cha Riley

Hui Cha Riley, born on March 8, 1946, in Seoul, South Korea, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Her life was an amazing journey marked by resilience, kindness, and a deep passion for family and adventure.

Hui Cha spent much of her career managing various restaurants, a reflection of her love for culinary arts and her desire to share that with others. She later joined the Darden Group, where she played a significant role in the start-up of a new chain of restaurants called China Coast. Her commitment to her work exemplified her adventurous spirit, having made the bold choice to immigrate to the United States alone, a pioneering move for her family during a challenging era.

A devoted mother and grandmother, Hui Cha cherished every moment spent with her family. She had an innate talent for keeping them well-fed, creating memories that revolved around love and great meals. Hui Cha will be remembered not just for her culinary contributions but also for her warm personality. Those who knew her describe her as lovely and approachable, making everyone feel welcomed and cherished. She enjoyed traveling with friends and family, tending to her garden, and curating a collection of antique glassware and pitcher sets, reflecting her appreciation for beauty in everyday life.

Hui Cha is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Riley, her parents, Tae Keun Kwon and Sin Sook Choi, and her brother, Hui Chang Kwon. She is survived by her son, Joshua, her grandchildren: Clay, Kennedy and Davin; her brothers: Hui Sung and Hui Joon; her nephews, Luke, Sam, Sang, Paul, Hunie, and her niece, Aelee.

A visitation will be held on June 27, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM, followed by a memorial service from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM, at Flanner Buchanan- Oaklawn Memorial Gardens, located at 9700 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, IN.