- Date Of Death: January 15, 2022
- State: New Mexico
Hyangmi Yi passed away on Saturday, January 15, 2022.
Hyangmi is survived by her mother Insook Yi (Gunsan, South Korea); daughter Christina Garcia and Husband Gilbert Garcia; grandchildren: Noelle Garcia, Isaiah Garcia and Sydney Garcia; husband Andrew Ortiz; stepchildren: Caden Ortiz, Curtis Ortiz and Amber Gonzales (Sarah & Antonio); brothers: Yooyoung Lee (Eunhee Kim), Jooyoung Yi (Gunsan, South Korea); niece and nephew: Yoonji and Moochan. We, along with her dog “Kimchi” will suffer her loss in our hearts forever.
Hyangmi was born in Gansun, South Korea. She owned AMERASIA-SUMOSUSHI in Albuquerque. Her first and only job while in the United States was at Amerasia, which was then located on Cornell Street in Albuquerque. She became the owner of Amerasia and expanded it to include the Sumo Sushi Restaurant. Her daughter Christina has operated the business during Hyangmi’s illness.
Hyangmi’s customers referred to her as “Han”. Generations of New Mexico families have enjoyed her Dim Sum for many years. Her favorite time of the year was her annual Chinese New Year Celebration – which was always reserved to capacity. She loved her customers and could always remember what they ordered off her Dim Sum Cart.
Hyangmi was a gentle and generous soul. She had dignity and class before and throughout her illness. Not enough words can describe her loving nature and dedication to those she loved. She made sure everyone was well fed and she was an excellent self-taught Chef. Her desire was that her daughter continue to operate Amerasia and continue her legacy.
Our family wishes to thank her healthcare providers at MD Anderson Cancer Centers (Rust), Dr. Kenneth Smith and his staff, Kaseman Presbyterian, Presbyterian Home Care Nursing, and Kaseman Hospice for their relentless attention to her treatment and comfort.
Hyangmi’s end-of-life celebration is on Sunday, March 6, 2022 from 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Event Center.
