Hwa Ja Prohaska's Obituary
Hwa Ja Prohaska, a remarkable woman of strength, grace, and resilience, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 17th, in Tacoma, WA. After traveling the world and skiing Mount Fuji, Hwa Ja was known for always speaking her mind, embracing her spirituality, and staying actively involved in her Korean community. She made her home in Lakewood, Washington, where she lived for over 40 years.
Born in Pyongyang, Korea, as the daughter of Taegun Yim, a textile factory owner, she entered the world with a spirit of determination that would define her life. Hwa Ja was a fierce female leader ahead of her time, celebrated for her style, class, and unwavering loyalty to her family and heritage.
A survivor of the Japanese occupation of Korea and the Korean War, Hwa Ja’s life was marked by perseverance and fortitude. She carried the lessons of her early years into every chapter of her journey, embodying courage and wisdom in the face of adversity. Her strength was matched only by her elegance, and she was admired for her poise and impeccable sense of fashion.
Hwa Ja married the love of her life, Chief Warrant Officer Richard Prohaska, with whom she shared 65 years of devotion and partnership. She was the proud and loving mother of two sons: Raymond, her firstborn, and Allen, her youngest. Both embody her courage and resilience, having been instilled with the values of hard work, compassion, and integrity. She was also the mother of a beloved Daughter, Hye Eun.
As a devoted halmeoni (grandmother) to six cherished grandchildren—Steven, Paul, Raymond J., Stephanie, Katie, and Zachary—Hwa Ja’s family was her greatest joy.
Hwa Ja will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and everyone fortunate enough to know and love her. As the Korean saying goes, “돌아가신 분은 따스한 햇살처럼 우리를 지켜보며 따뜻한 기억으로 안아줍니다” (“When a loved one departs, they remain like the warm light of the sun, watching over us and embracing us with their memories”).
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