Jomsoon "Susie" Hassert

Jomsoon Susie Hassert passed away on July 23, 2025, in Aberdeen, New Jersey, surrounded by her loving family. Born on April 18, 1954, in the coastal city of Busan, South Korea, Susie's life was a remarkable journey of resilience, creativity, adventure, and deep love.
After losing her parents in early childhood, Susie was raised by her sisters. At the age of 16, she emigrated to California to begin a new chapter in America. With courage and determination, she built a joyful, meaningful, and adventurous life, embracing every moment with warmth, passion, and purpose.
Susie lived in many vibrant places including Japan, California, Las Vegas, Hawaii, and finally New Jersey. She wore many hats throughout her life: a blackjack dealer in Las Vegas, a bank employee in Los Angeles, an elevator operator at the Drake Hotel of San Francisco (despite her dislike of elevators), a commercial model in San Francisco, and most notably, a successful real estate agent in California and NJ who proudly earned her Broker's license.
She loved the outdoors-whether hiking through the woods with her husband Glenn, swimming with her grandchildren in the backyard, or soaking in the peaceful beauty of Lake George from her beloved RV. She found joy in long walks at Holmdel Park, quiet afternoons painting stunning custom oil pieces, and immersing herself in nature's calm.
Spending time with her sons, Michael and David, was her greatest joy. Having grown up without parents, she poured her heart into being the most loving, supporting mother and creating the warm, nurturing home she never had. She introduced them with immense pride; Michael as a Vice President and David as a Scientist-always beaming with admiration. With David and his family, Susie shared a special bond. Her love often came through in the delicious Korean meals she made-kimchi jjigae, japchae, and doenjang jjigae, always prepared with care, love, and quiet pride. Time spent together was never ordinary-it was filled with warmth, smiles, and meaningful connection.
Her heart belonged fully to her grandchildren: Alana, Ethan, Aston and Scarlett. Susie lit up in their presence-cheering at swim meets, applauding dance recitals, or tearing up during tae kwon do belt ceremonies. Every accomplishment, big or small, moved her deeply. She delighted in everyday joys laughing over Snapchat filters, playing board games late into the night, or exploring virtual worlds on the Oculus. Donkey Kong Country was her favorite video game, and she played with the same joy and curiosity she brought to all aspects of life.
Whether playing basketball with Mike and his friends (even breaking her finger once!) or hosting lively gatherings, Susie was the soul of every celebration. Her home was always full of food, fun, and friends-and never "too clean" to be cozy. She made everyone feel welcome, never letting anyone leave empty-handed or unloved. Her love extended to her "newest children," Bingo and Bernie, her cherished dogs, with whom she shared daily walks and companionship.
She had an unmatched zest for life: a passionate cook whose famous dishes included chicken cacciatore (affectionately called "sue-chatorie"), Korean BBQ, spaghetti and meatballs, burritos, and her cherished New Year's soup, tteokguk. Her life was always filled with music, from REO Speedwagon, Eagles, CCR and Bryan Adams to Beethoven, Smashing Pumpkins, and the Goo Goo Dolls-a gift of musical appreciation she passed down to her children.
Known for her beauty, grace, and impeccable self-care, Susie always kept her hair, nails, and makeup flawless. She passed these values on to her family-not out of vanity, but pride. Known lovingly by nicknames like "Uhn Do" and "Porky," Susie had a rare gift for making people feel truly seen and loved. She even welcomed Hersh, Michael and David's father, to family gatherings-believing deeply in unity, connection, and love above all.
In recent years, she traveled with her family to the Bahamas and Italy-her first and only trip to Europe. She fell in love with Rome, the Amalfi Coast, and her new favorite treat, limoncello. Though she never made it to France, Switzerland, or Austria-places she often dreamed of-she reveled in every adventure. Another favorite was Newport, Rhode Island, where she toured historic mansions, strolled through the rain, and dined in haunted restaurants-always drawn to beauty, mystery, and a sense of wonder.
Susie is survived by her devoted husband, Glenn Hassert; her sons, Michael Smilovich and his wife Bethany, and David Smilovich and his wife Joicy; her beloved grandchildren Alana, Ethan, Aston, and Scarlett; and her extended family, friends, and all who were blessed to know her luminous spirit.
Susie didn't just spend time with her family. She made every moment feel like a memory in the making. Her presence was a gift, her laughter a melody, and her love a constant, comforting light.
Though she has departed from this world, the beauty she created in her art, her family, her food, and her kindness-will live on for generations. Her kind spirit, warm embrace, and radiant love will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew her.
A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 from 4:00pm - 8:00pm at Waitt Funeral Home, 501 Hwy 79, Morganville, NJ 07751. A funeral service will take place on Thursday, July 31, 2025, and will be announced in the near future; thank you for your patience. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Jomsoon "Susie" Hassert, please visit our Tree Store.