Sook Hyun Pai

Glenville - Sook Hyun Pai, 89, of Glenville passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the Glendale Nursing Home, just three days shy of her 90th birthday.

Born in South Korea on March 15, 1936, she was the daughter of the late Ho Kyung and Pil Sun (née Shin) Chon. Her mother passed away five days before her own 90th birthday as well.

Sook was raised in South Korea, where she received her education and, in the full bloom of youth, married her beloved husband, Bok, on October 1, 1955. In a quest for broader horizons and opportunities, Sook and her family immigrated to the United States, arriving on February 1, 1975. Their initial residency in Hudson Falls, NY, eventually led them to settle in Glenville, a place Sook would come to love and make her lifelong home.

Professionally, Sook brought meticulousness and precision to her role as an Assembler for the Coleco Vision Company in Amsterdam NY. Her co-workers affectionately would call her Sookie.

Those who knew Sook can attest to her grand passion for travel. With her husband at her side, she explored the world, leaving her footprints in places such as Hong Kong, China, Vietnam, Hawaii, the Grand Canyon, and Yellowstone. The couple shared memorable voyages together, discovering the beauty and culture aboard numerous cruises.

Sook's zest for life manifested in her hobbies; she was a masterful gardener, tending both vibrant flowers and hearty vegetables, with her radishes, scallions, peppers, cabbage, and cucumbers particularly renowned amongst friends and family. Her culinary skills were unparalleled, especially her legendary bulgogi, egg rolls, dumplings, and homemade kimchi, which graced many family dinners and gatherings.

An avid golfer, Sook enjoyed the serenity and camaraderie found at the local golf courses. Her presence on the green was just as formidable as in her kitchen or garden, much to the delight of her fellow golfers.

Her involvement with her Korean heritage was a vital part of Sook's identity, evident in her support for her husband during his tenure as the 5th President of the Korean American Fellowship Association of Greater Albany and former President of the Korean Catholic Church in Albany, an accolade that underscored the couple's dedication to their community.

But perhaps Sook's most cherished role was that of a grandmother. Her grandchildren were the recipients of her unconditional love and support, an unwavering beacon that guided them through life's joys and challenges. Her influence, ensuring the continuation of her rich cultural heritage and family values, will be felt for generations to come.

In addition to her parents, Sook was predeceased by her son, Hyung Yul Pai.

Survivors include her husband of 70+ years, Bok D. Pai; her loving children, Un Yong Pai (Soon Hui), Kwang Yong Pai (Pong Ae), Thomas Jung Pai (Sarah Leah), Moon Joo Yang (Il Nam); adored grandchildren, Lira (Chris), James, Lindsay (Mark), Krystal, Ryan (Lydia), Christopher, Emily, Tory, Jacob, Ennie and Ethan; her great-grandchildren, Ellee, William and Evelyn; siblings, Yung Hui Savasta (the late Peter), Chae Hyun Chon (Keumjae), Sun Hui Smith (Robert), Pong Hui Kim (Myong) and Ki Hui Whaley (George); and many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 5pm to 7pm at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Road, Glenville, NY, 12302.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 10 am at the Korean Catholic Church of Albany, 17 Exchange Street, Albany, NY 12205.

Entombment will follow at St. Anthony's Cemetery at 12 noon, 27 Glenridge Road Glenville, NY.