Jungwoo Ahn Koo

Our beautiful, brilliant and greatly beloved wife, sister, mother and grandmother, Jungwoo Ahn Koo, 90 (Korean age), of Riverdale, New York died peacefully on March 20, 2025 at her family home surrounded by her children.
Jungwoo epitomized the "larger than life" figure with her infectious smile, positive energy and courage to live her life with full authenticity, great love and no regrets.
She was born in Seoul, Korea on March 31, 1935, the daughter of Minhong and Sunbee Ahn, both descendants of prominent Korean families. It was evident at a young age that Jungwoo was very special – incredibly smart, beautifully vibrant, industriously resourceful, full of joy and completely adored by her family. She grew up in Seoul, Korea, a country she greatly loved and was forever proud of, mastering many
Korean traditions and cuisine. Jungwoo studied chemistry and graduated from Dongguk University in 1957 and built a career opening her own pharmacy. In 1960, Jungwoo married her husband of 64 years, Jay Jaeel Koo, an executive at Korean Air Lines, and thus they began their amazing life journey together.
Jungwoo and Jay's dream was to emigrate to America and raise their three children, providing them with the best opportunities possible. Together, with faith, hard work, and enduring hope, they willed their dream into reality. In 1970 they moved to Los Angeles and soon thereafter to New York City, where Jungwoo and Jay built successful businesses and a loving home. Jungwoo had a keen mind for business, combining savvy negotiating skills, excellent judgment of character and natural charisma. She led her thriving store with a highly loyal clientele for over three decades – building not just a business, but a community.
But Jungwoo's most cherished moments were found in memories with her family. She was a devoted daughter and sister, spending many weekends and holidays celebrating with her beloved parents and siblings over delicious seafood, loud laughter and competitive games of bridge and "Hwatu". Jungwoo took a very active role in the lives of her children and grandchildren, teaching and sharing her love of music, cooking, games, travel and instilling the importance of integrity, honesty and making a positive difference in the world. Without a doubt, Jungwoo's proudest moments were visiting her three children and two of her grandchildren at Williams College in Massachusetts, the
alma mater of two of her brothers.
Often described as "young-at-heart", Jungwoo was always great fun with her quick wit, excellent sense of humor and captivating storytelling. She was a true gastronome and a master of her endeavors, keen to share her passions with those around her. Jungwoo was, and will always remain, the heart of her family and a tremendous gift to all who were lucky enough to be a part of her world.
Jungwoo is survived and missed by her husband Jay; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Dr. Changwoo and Linda Ahn, Sangwoo and Alison Ahn, Taewoo and Heesook Ahn; her sister Shunwoo Ahn; her many nieces and nephews; her sons Dr. Harry Koo and John Koo; her daughter and son-in-law Patty Koo Bassett and David Bassett; and her most beloved grandchildren: Irene, Daniel, Christopher and Lauren.
Family and friends are welcome to attend the Celebration of Life funeral service at Christ Church in Riverdale, NY on Saturday, April 5 th at 10am, followed immediately by a light reception. A private family burial will take place at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Farmingdale, NY.
A heartfelt thank you to our family and friends for their loving support and prayers.