KA Leader Ahn Dies from Cancer
June 27, 2003
Well-known neurologist, philanthropist and political activist, Dr. Suzanne Insook Ahn of Dallas, Texas has passed away. Memorial services are planned for her this Friday.
“Our family was with her when she passed away at 2:15 Sunday morning,” Dr. Samuel Ahn of Los Angeles stated. “She was asleep with her two children holding her hands.”
The 51-year-old mother of two teenagers accomplished much. She was co-holder of 23 U.S. medical patents and was a member of many boards of directors. Through her political activism she helped Asian Pacific Americans be appointed to state and federal offices. Ahn herself became the youngest person and only the second woman ever appointed to the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners.
Her friends say Ahn was a woman who was ready to face controversy head-on and to fight for civil rights and justice not only for APAs but also for other ethnic minorities and the disadvantaged.
Born in a village near Pusan, Korea, Ahn moved to the United States when she was just 7 years old. She and her family first settled in Booneville, Ark. and later moved to Tyler, Texas.
Last year, Ahn made a surprise appearance at the Asian American Journalists Association’s (AAJA) national convention meeting in Dallas where she presented the group with a $100,000 endowment.
The first Dr. Suzanne Ahn Journalism Award will be presented when AAJA stages its national convention at the Sheraton Hotel in San Diego, Calif. August 13 – 16.
In lieu of flowers, her family says donations may be sent in her name to the Asian American Journalists Association, 1182 Market Street, Suite 320, San Francisco, Calif.
The memorial service for Dr. Suzanne Insook Ahn will be held Fri., June 27 at 4 p.m. at Highland Park United Methodist Church, 3300 Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, Texas.
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