AeCha Larson

AeCha Maria Larson, born Chong AeCha on August 17, 1943, in Seoul, South Korea, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2025, in Omaha, Nebraska, at the age of 82.

AeCha's life was a remarkable journey of resilience, love, and transformation. Born during a time of great turmoil-two years before Korea's liberation from Japanese occupation- she was forced to be officially renamed Aiko for that short time. At the tender age of seven, she experienced the invasion of the North Koreans to her hometown of Munsan. Her parents, Chong Pong Sik and Yun Yu Kil, fled with their six remaining children to escape the invasion. AeCha was one of the youngest of eleven children and she grew up in a nation shaped by war and recovery. Although two older sisters were lost in infancy, two younger cousins were adopted on, and amazingly the remaining family members all survived the war. 

In her early adulthood, AeCha met a U.S. Army 1st Lieutenant who was stationed at the 38th parallel. They fell in love and their union brought her to the United States in pursuit of a new life. She married Greg Larson on August 11, 1969, and within a few years, became the proud mother of two sons: Jonny and Tommy. She embraced her new home with determination and grace, becoming a U.S. citizen on June 15, 1978.

Though her marriage ended in 1981, AeCha remained steadfastly independent and resilient. She settled first in Fremont, then lived and worked in Little Rock, Dallas and Queens for several years before coming back to Omaha, Nebraska. From 1994 to 1998, she owned and operated World Import on North 30th Street-a reflection of her entrepreneurial spirit and deep connection to her cultural roots. 

AeCha's greatest joy came from her family. She was affectionately known as "Harmony" by her thirteen grandchildren and one great-grandson-a name derived from the Korean word "Halmeoni," meaning grandmother. Through her cooking and storytelling, she instilled in them a deep pride in their Korean heritage. Her home was always filled with Korean meals, Korean books, K-Dramas and the sound of traditional classical Korean music. It gave her great joy to cook and to provide for others. Even into her later years, she insisted on taking her grandchildren out to eat every month-a cherished tradition that spoke volumes about her generosity and love.

Probably stemming from her adventurous spirit, AeCha enjoyed reading all kinds of Korean books, which filled her apartment. She also was sure to attend Bingo around Omaha several times a week-a regular pastime that gave her meaningful community and friendships. Her friends know her as a great story teller and together, they enjoyed the laughter brought by her sense of humor.

In the final chapter of her life, AeCha experienced a profound spiritual awakening. Though she had always believed in God with a simple faith, she came to know Christ more intimately over the years. After much prayer and reflection, she chose to be baptized just eleven days before her passing. On September 25th, she accepted the Christian name "Maria" and was made new in Christ. Two days later, with childlike joy, she giggled and said, "I'm born again." It was a moment that brought immense peace to those who loved her.

Even as her health declined, AeCha remained strong-willed and independent-choosing for herself how to navigate her final days. Even though being visited often in the hospital by her local family, it was Jonny and his oldest son, who were the last of the family to hear her awake. Jonny shared that she seemed to be expecting someone to come get her-ready to leave the hospital behind. Since she wasn't anxious or confused during her short illness, we realized later that she knew she wasn't meant for this earth much longer. She knew someone was indeed coming to take her home.

AeCha Maria Larson leaves behind a legacy of strength, generosity, cultural pride, and faith. She is survived by her two sons Jonny (Marlys) and Thomas (Corrine), thirteen grandchildren, one great-grandson, her good friend and brother, Young Soo Im, and countless others who were touched by her virtues, fun sense of humor, and thoughtful spirit. 

May her remembrance bring comfort to all who knew and loved her.

A vigil will be held at Good Shepherd Funeral Home - Ralston on Thursday Oct 16th at 6:00 PM with Rosary at 7:30 PM

 A Requiem Mass will be held on October 17, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Immaculate Conception Omaha 2708 South 24 Street with burial at Holy Sepulchre to follow