In Loving Memory of Hyun Koo “Helen” Kim November 27, 1932 – June 14, 2025 Hyun Koo “Helen” Kim, 92, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2025, surrounded by her loving family at Northshore Hospital’s Palliative Care Unit. Born in Seoul, South Korea, on November 27, 1932, Helen met and married her husband, Tae JinContinue Reading
In Loving Memory of
Hyun Koo “Helen” Kim
November 27, 1932 – June 14, 2025
Hyun Koo “Helen” Kim, 92, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2025, surrounded by her loving family at Northshore Hospital’s Palliative Care Unit.
Born in Seoul, South Korea, on November 27, 1932, Helen met and married her husband, Tae Jin “Tom” Kim, in 1954. They welcomed two children, Bong Hi “Bonnie” and Suk Woo “Sam,” before immigrating to Paraguay in 1965 and later settling in New York City in 1970, seeking a better future for their family.
Helen will be remembered for her intelligence, vibrant spirit, and deep kindness. She loved connecting with others, sharing laughter, and never stopped learning—especially about computers. Even in her later years, she proudly maintained her own blog.
Her entrepreneurial drive and love of people led to the founding of TJK Café, a family-run luncheonette and later restaurant in Little Neck, Queens, which served its community for nearly 40 years.
Faith was a guiding light in Helen’s life. A lifelong Christian, she found joy in her church community, especially through music. She was a devoted choir member and found great peace in hymns, especially after the passing of her beloved husband, Tom, in 2022.
Helen is survived by her daughter Bonnie Song and husband Eric, and her son Sam Kim and wife Jane. She leaves behind four grandchildren—Austin (and his wife Andrea), Ashley, Erin, and Nicolas (and his wife Natalie)—as well as four great-grandchildren: Alexa, Amelia, Addison, and Jake. Helen was blessed to know and love each of them.
Service Information
A wake will be held on Tuesday, June 17, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at:
Doyle B. Shaffer, Inc. Funeral Home
45-09 Little Neck Parkway, Little Neck, NY 11362
A Celebration of Life Service will take place from 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM during the wake.
Helen’s life was a beautiful testament to strength, love, and faith.
Her memory lives on through her family, her community, and the countless lives she touched.
사랑과 믿음으로 가득 찬 삶을 사셨습니다.
She lived a life full of love and faith.
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