Maria Ockja Koh, 70, of Clinton, Iowa lost her long battle with Alzheimer's disease on Friday, February 25th, 2022 surrounded by the love of her dear friends. A Funeral Mass occurs at 1 pm on Saturday, March 5, at Jesus Christ Prince of Peace Catholic Church, Clinton. A visitation occurs from 5 pm to 7 pm on Friday, March 4, at Lemke Funeral Homes – South Chapel. Burial takes place at St. Mary's Cemetery. Lemke Funeral Homes assisted the family with arrangements.
Born July 17, 1951 in South Korea, Maria was a beloved mother and grandmother who was truly a force for good and light in this world, touching so many lives. Maria immigrated to the United States with her husband Alexander Koh and mother-in-law Ockyon Koh in 1972 with the generous and loving support of Maureen and Vernon Witt. The Witt family was instrumental in the Koh family's immigration to this country and their assimilation into the local community. The Witts welcomed Maria, Alex, Ockyon, and their children into their own family with open arms. Maureen and Vern Witt were also an integral part of Maria's strong faith, fellowship, and devotion to her church, which she loved so dearly.
Maria spent decades bringing joy to countless loved ones with her delicious cooking, her beautiful voice, her love of God, and her natural joy and zest for life. She was a devoted wife, mother, daughter-in-law, caregiver, and friend throughout several decades in the community. She was always a shining example of what it means to give yourself to others, and she was truly a servant of God in her countless acts of selflessness.
Maria began suffering from a mental decline at the young age of 59, at which time she endured the very early stages of dementia. Maria's daughters Angela and Grace both cared for her in their homes in North Carolina and California early in her decline; however, Maria ultimately missed her home church and community in Clinton, Iowa so deeply. Her family is forever grateful to the love, devotion, and care from her absolutely amazing friend Gail Devereaux, who took Maria into her own home and assisted her day in and day out for years until the need for professional care was required. Gail was truly Maria's personal angel on earth, and she was also with Maria by her side at the end of her journey.
Maria is survived by her children Veronica Koh Eischeid and husband David of Des Moines, IA, Michael Koh and wife Erica of San Diego, CA, Angela Koh and husband Bryan of Asheville, NC, Dominic Koh of Colorado Springs, CO, Grace Koh McIntire and husband Jason of Asheville, NC, and Elizabeth Koh of Baton Rouge, LA.
Maria was preceded in death by her husband, Alexander Koh; daughter, Christine Koh, as well as her 6 siblings and parents in South Korea.
Pallbearers will be Dominic Koh, David Eischeid, Bryan King, and Jason McIntire.
In lieu of flowers, donations and memorials can be directed to Jesus Christ Prince of Peace Catholic Church - Together in Faith Campaign.