Josephine Sim Yoe

Josephine Sim Yoe, at age 74, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 19, 2021. Sim was born on March 8, 1946, in Tulungagung, Indonesia. Second eldest among 5 siblings, at the age of 18, she went to China to further her studies at Jinan University. There, she met lifelong friends who became her family away from home. China’s instability during its Cultural Revolution led her to migrate to Hong Kong in 1972. There, she worked as a lab technician at Hong Kong University and Island School while getting her Chemistry degree at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Worth mentioning, she later worked as Secretary of the head office for the Caritas Refugees Service Center. This work was most fulfilling and important to her. When the opportunity came to go to the U.S., she was very torn about leaving this job behind. Once in the States, she dedicated 30+ years as a lab specialist for the Earth Sciences, Chemistry and Physics department at El Camino College.

Though she never had children of her own, she was a beloved auntie to her nieces, nephews, and friends’ children. Her love for travel has taken her to over 80+ countries. If it wasn’t for her diagnosis of brain cancer 15 months ago, she would still be traveling. In her last year, she had time to put her affairs in order. She did her best to communicated with many loved ones and stay connected with those abroad. She was well taken care of by her roommate Eda and sister Kwie, along with the team from Torrance Hospice program. Everything was done according to her wishes and her way. She wanted everyone to know that death is a part of life, and that it’s her time to say good-bye. Her spirit lives on in all of our hearts, and she will be well missed.

Per her request, no flowers/donations are needed please. She wished to say good-bye simply.