Kyun Chung

Chung, Kyun Ja (Joo)

Madison: Kyun Ja "Jenny" (Joo ) Chung, 74, passed away on November 21, 2015, at home in Madison, WI, surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by her two daughters, Kathleen (Keith) Callan and Susan (Karl) Wigdal, her Joo family - two sisters and five brothers, and a devoted family of in-laws (Chung). Her beloved husband, Dr. Sunggi Chung, preceded her in death in 1999.
Mrs. Chung was born on December 24, 1940 in what is now North Korea. As a child, Mrs. Chung and her family made the perilous journey to South Korea during the turbulent years following WWII. She was raised during the Korean War, but never complained of her circumstance. Instead, she always excelled in school and was valedictorian of her graduating class at both Kyunggi Girls' Junior High School and Ewha Women's University - the top schools in Korea.

Mrs. Chung was the first of her family to come to the U.S in 1964 to attend graduate school at the University of Oklahoma, where she married in 1965, obtained her Master's Degree in Library Science, and started a family. They moved to Madison, WI, in 1969, where Mrs. Chung served her community for 30 years as a librarian for the Madison Metropolitan School District. Mrs. Chung is a devoted member of Covenant Presbyterian Church, where she sang in the choir and volunteered, supporting a new school in Guatemala, and preparing and serving meals at the Grace Episcopal Shelter (Porchlight). Mrs. Chung was a Gold Life Master in the American Contract Bridge League, and enjoyed traveling and fine arts, especially opera, with her beloved husband .
Kyun Ja means "silk" and describes her character - elegant, soft, and warm.

Mrs. Chung's outward beauty reflected her inner character, which she expressed through actions, more than words. She created a life of plenty and happiness for her daughters through dedication, hard work and faith, instilling in them a strong ethic, love of education, and appreciation for the outdoors and fine arts. She also encouraged and generously supported her family in the U.S. and in Korea, and offered her home and care to help them start productive and successful lives. Her life of service is a legacy and a blessing to us here and in Korea.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm, Tuesday, November 24, 2015 at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Rd., Madison, WI 53705. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, November 25, 2015 at COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 326 S. Segoe Rd., Madison, WI 53705, with a visitation from 10:00 am until the time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Covenant Presbyterian Church or Porchlight Homeless Shelter. Please share your memories.

We love you Mom, and will keep you forever in our hearts.