Mirang Yoon

Deaconess Mirang Yoon was born on November 3, 1967, as the second daughter of Rev. Duk Soo Yoon and Mrs. Myung Ok Kwon. Raised in a family of faith, she grew up living a life marked by sincerity, diligence, and a warm and compassionate heart toward others. Mirang is survived by her eldest sister, Miah (Yoon) Nam; and two brothers, Woongah Yoon and Youngah Yoon. 

After graduating from Sejong High School in Korea, she was admitted to Seoul National University. In the same year, she came to the United States to pursue her studies and later earned her undergraduate degree in Physics from Cornell University. She continued her academic journey at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where she obtained both her Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Solid State Physics, pursuing her scholarly path with deep passion and dedication.

Following the completion of her doctoral studies, Dr. Yoon served as a researcher at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. She later joined the Department of Physics at the University of Rhode Island, where she devoted herself to research and teaching. She was widely respected not only for her academic accomplishments but also for her genuine care and mentorship of her students, who admired her as a dedicated educator. Later, she earned an MBA and began a new chapter in public service, joining the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a federal employee. In late May 2025, she was unexpectedly diagnosed with terminal cancer. With remarkable courage and faith, she endured her illness until she was called home to the Lord on March 3, 2026.

Beyond her professional achievements, Deaconess Yoon deeply loved her family and faithfully served her church. In particular, during her time as Principal of the Worcester Korean School, she devoted herself to the education of Korean-American second-generation students, nurturing their understanding of Korean language, culture, and history. Through her humility, dedication, and loving service, she became an inspiration and a cherished example to many in the community.

On March 3, 2026, while listening to the hymn she loved, “Be Not Afraid,” she peacefully answered God’s call and entered into the Lord’s eternal rest. Though we grieve her passing, we find comfort in the promise of Christ and in the assurance that she now rests in the presence of the Lord she loved and served so faithfully.

Her life of faith, devotion, and love will continue to live on in the hearts of her family, friends, students, and all who were blessed to know her.

Calling hours for Mirang will be held on Sunday, March 8, 2026, from 3:00p.m. to 6:00p.m. in the Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. Prayer Services will be held on Monday, March 9, 2026, at 10:30a.m. in the Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. Family and friends are welcome to begin gathering for services at 10:00a.m. Mirang will be laid to rest in Rural Cemetery, Worcester.