Our dear mother, Pan Lei Chun, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2026 at age 89 at Westminster Winter Park surrounded by family. She was born on March 28, 1937 in Busan, Korea. She taught elementary school, primarily 5 th and 6 th grades, before marrying Hang Jin Chun and having two daughters. She immigrated to the United States to provide better opportunities for her children. After arriving in the U.S., she helped her mother immigrate, had three more daughters, and supported her brother in establishing a family here.
She often said, "Never complain," even though she had every reason to complain. Unable to teach in the
U.S. due to the language barrier, she worked tirelessly alongside her husband running an "oriental" grocery store that was open every day. She rarely took time off, almost never had a vacation, and did not rest until she retired at age 65. Through it all, she carried herself with quiet strength, a warm smile, and a constant willingness to help others.
She found joy in simple, beautiful things. An avid gardener with a special love for flowers, everything she
touched blossomed. She had orange trees in her backyard, and her grandchildren fondly remember her
squeezing fresh orange juice for them during their visits. After retirement, she spent countless hours in
her garden and volunteered at a nursery, where she quickly became the go-to person for growing orchids. She later became a devoted member of the Beautiful Church of Orlando and enjoyed watching Korean dramas.
She was richly blessed with family and friends, but not with health. She developed Parkinson's disease
and severe osteoporosis, enduring a long and difficult decline marked by multiple fractures. Even as her
body grew fragile, her mind and spirit remained strong and unbroken. Her determination and fierce will
to live never wavered.
She was preceded in death by her husband, who passed away on April 28, 2023. She is survived by her
devoted brother, You Bok Yang (Kyongok Han); her five daughters, Jung Chun (Jens Matthes), Anne Chun
Longo (Frank Longo), Linda Staneart (Kent Staneart), Jeana Chun, and Lillian Chun; and her seven grandchildren, Sophia Longo, Leo Matthes, Daniel Longo, Colin Staneart, Calvin Matthes, Colton Staneart, and Mila Chun.
A memorial service will be held on June 13, 2026 at 4 pm, followed immediately by a reception at
DeGusipe Funeral Home on 9001 N. Orlando Avenue, Maitland, Florida.