Amherst, Young-Ok Kim Westort, daughter of Chang-Mo Kim & Chang Sun Lim died peacefully on August 18th, 2016 at the age of 88. Kim was born in Pyongyang North Korea in 1928. She was a 1950 graduate of a Ewha Woman’s University, Seoul South Korea where she majored in English literature. Kim came to the United States in 1956 where she earned her Master’s degree in clinical social work in 1958 at the University of Pennsylvania. Kim settled in Amherst Massachusetts in 1963, and went on to devote her career to helping and advocating for the disabled and those in need. When she retired in 1998, she was the senior-most social worker employed by the state of Massachusetts.  

Kim was committed to raising her four children, mostly as a single mother, characterized by strength, love, and compassion, and her commitment to the importance of education. Beloved mother to Thomas, Caroline, Michael, and Matthew. Devoted grandmother to Liliana, Amanda, Adria, Sophia, Maia, Natalie, Theo, and Greyson. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.  

Funeral services will be Monday August 22, at 11:00 am at the Douglass Funeral Service, Amherst. Calling hours will precede the service from 9:00 – 11:00 am. A private burial will follow.