Grace Christoph

Grace Cho Christoph passed away peacefully on April 30th, 2025, just one month shy of her 96th birhday. Born in Korea on June 1st, 1929, Grace’s life was marked by resilience, independence, and deep care for those around her.

Grace lived under the Japanese occupation of Korea and through the Korean War with unwavering strength. Her journey took her from Korea to New Orleans, and ultimately to San Francisco, where she became a cherished fixture of the community. Known for her boundless energy, she jogged and swam well into her later years, embodying a spirit that refused to be slowed by time and earning her the nickname, “Amazing Grace”.

Fluent in Korean, Japanese, and English, and gifted with extremely fast typing and stenography skills, her independence and sharp mind were matched only by her warm heart. She selflessly put her life on hold to fulfill the caretaker role for multiple ailing family members, including her mom, daughter, and husband.

Grace was the kind of person who never let anyone leave her home hungry. Her kitchen was a place of comfort and joy, always filled with the rich aromas of homemade chapchae and bulgogi, fresh sourdough bread, every fruit and dessert imaginable, and crisp salads dressed with her unforgettable homemade dressing.

She touched countless lives in San Francisco and beyond—welcoming, nourishing, and inspiring all who knew her. Her legacy is one of generosity, vitality, and deep familial devotion.

Grace is survived by her loving family of Chos, Stonehams, Smiths, and Gagers, and a wide circle of friends who will forever carry her memory in their hearts.