Hung Ok Lim Ho, a pioneering figure in the Korean-American nursing community and a tireless advocate for healthcare accessibility, passed away on February 16 at 93.
A first-generation Korean-American nurse, she dedicated her life to advancing the rights and education of Korean immigrant nurses while improving healthcare services for the broader Korean-American community.
In 1968, she founded the North Texas Korean Nurses Association (NTKNA), the first-ever Korean nurses’ organization in North America. Over the next five decades, she played a crucial role in mentoring immigrant nurses, establishing NCLEX preparation courses, and launching the first Korean-American health fair to support the underserved population.
Recognizing the linguistic and cultural barriers faced by early Korean immigrants in accessing medical services, she worked tirelessly to bridge the gap, offering support to elderly community members and advocating for improved healthcare services. Her contributions were recognized in 1997 when she was named one of “The Great 100 Nurses.”
In the 2000s, she shifted her focus to mentoring the next generation of Korean-American nurses, fostering professional networks, and championing labor rights. She served as vice president of what is now the Overseas Korean Nurses Association (OKNA), further elevating the presence and influence of Korean nurses globally.
Her dedication was also recognized by the South Korean government. In 2016, she was awarded the Order of National Merit, Mogryon Medal—one of the nation’s highest civilian honors—for her exceptional contributions to healthcare and the Korean diaspora.
A funeral service for Lim will be held at 1:00 p.m on Monday, February 24, at Rolling Oaks Funeral Home (400 Freeport Pkwy in Coppell, Texas).
BY HANKIL KANG [kang.hankil@koreadaily.com]
