Senior Deacon Hong Eun-hye (photo) of Navy Central Church passed away on April 19 at the age of 100. Referred to as the ‘Mother of the Navy,’ the late Hong was the wife of Korean Navy founder Son Won-il (1909∼1980). Deacon Hong faithfully attended the Friday Bible study offered by the retired Christian Soldiers Association at Youngnak Church, and prayed lifelong for her nation and people, particularly for the Navy.
When her life story was published by Kukmin Daily in the series “Fruits From Hardship” right after the sinking of the corvette Cheonan in March 2010, she described her heartache: “I cry and pray every day as I think about the deaths of the 45 young Navy soldiers in the cold water.”
Hong studied music at Ewha Women’s Professional School (now Ewha Womans University), met Admiral Son at Chungdong Church, where they were both members of the choir, and married Son when she was 22. She composed the Navy song “Let’s Go To the Ocean” with lyrics written by Admiral Son. Hong led the Navy wives’ group, took care of war widows, and took the lead in founding “Upper Room Wonil,” the Navy’s faith-training center.
The late Deacon Hong’s faith was largely influenced by her father-in-law, the late Rev. Son Jeong-do. In her interview with Kukmin Daily, she mentioned Rev. Son, saying, “I admire my father-in-law, who emphasized living ‘the life of a rag.’ He used to say, ‘Take the example of a silk dress. Though it’s good to have one, it’s not a big deal if you don’t. But if you don’t have a rag for even one day, your home becomes a mess. You see how important a rag is.’ He told us that we should live life like a rag, helping each other.”
The funeral service will be organized by Deacon Hong’s family. A memorial corner has been set up for her at the Seoul Asan Hospital Funeral Service (Room #35), and the funeral service will be held on April 21. Her grave will be next to Admiral Son’s at Seoul National Cemetery.
Reporters Choi Hyeon-su & Roh Heekyung (hkroh@kmib.co.kr), with Yeara Ahn-Park (yap@kmib.co.kr)
Original Article in Korean:
‘해군의 어머니’ 홍은혜 권사 별세: 해군 창설 故 손원일 제독 부인… 해군가 작곡 등 평생 헌신
Related Article in Korean:
[역경의 열매] 홍은혜 (1) “천안함 실종자는 제 자식들” 매일 눈물 쏟으며 간절한 기도
‘Mother of Navy’ Deacon Hong Eun-hye Passes Away
2017-04-21 10:55
