Condolences

Dr. Keesook Han (known simply as Keesook to many of her co-workers at Rome Lab), is one of those individuals who make a lasting, positive and warm impression with everyone she meets. She left us with fond memories of shared laughs, smiles, snacks and insightful perspectives. If you happened to see her in a meeting, in the hallway, or stopping by her office, she always took the time to say hello and ask how things are going.

Her basic research skills and ability to build research teams from universities across the entire country were outstanding and unique. So unique, that her research sponsors would even assign their own collaborators directly to Keesook and have them work with her for guidance and to receive her mentoring.

Beyond her world-class research skills, she was known to be an amazing support to her family. This speaks to who Keesook was at heart; a caring, supportive and special person who left everyone she encountered with a better life and better life experiences. I recall her meeting my mother at one of the various events that were hosted by the lab, and in typical Keeesook fashion, they quickly shared a few smiles and laughs as if old friends. That’s a special kind of person, who can set aside personal accomplishments and bring some simple joy into an other one's life with casual conversation.

Auf Wiedersehen, Keesook; until we meet again... And share a few more laughs and smiles.

To Keesook’s husband, family and friends, you’re in our thoughts and prayers.

Andy
(a co-worker friend and collaborator)

Dr. Han was one of my role models. When I first arrived at Rome 13 years ago, I was amazed at how much effort and time she spent with the researchers, graduate students, and undergrads on her research programs. I designed my intern programs based on what I learned from watching her.

Dr. Han was a true Rennaissance woman – over the years I learned she was not only was she an avid gardener, she was a published poet, gourmet cook, but also an accomplished sculptor. Some years ago, I visited the University of Minnesota and was in the lobby of the Engineering department. As I was admiring a very large (at least a square yard) artistic representation of a computer chip hanging on the wall, the Department Chair came over and mentioned I may know the artist – Dr. Han! He had a very funny story about Dr. Han personally wheeling the sculpture from her art studio to the engineering building.

Dr. Han had a great influence on many people I’ve met over the years.

She will be missed

I am so sad to hear and give my sympathy to family of Keesook. Keesook was a friend of mine at Rome Lab. We often chatted about nonsense and laughed alot. A group of us were invited to her apartment off Griffiss Park for a Korean lunch she prepared many years ago. I went on a NYC journey with her and her mother to visit relatives for a weekend. I went to her wedding reception. I saw her house in New Hartford shortly after she moved in and she expressed her desire for an oriental garden in back. She was a dear lady who I loved to talk to. I know she is a shining star in the universe now looking down on us with her love.

Oh, we are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Dr. Han.
She was passionate in anything she did – art work, gardening, research collaboration, paper reviews, etc. Her warm and caring heart will be always remembered.
May God grant the family strength and comfort during this time.
--Baek-Young Choi & Sejun Song

As Keesook’s next door neighbor, we enjoyed many years of cordial friendship.
When we planted our conifer garden, she was glad to stoll through sometimes taking her mother.

Over the years we have many happy memories and her sudden departure from this transitory life leaves us all at a loss.

Richard and Martha Widdicombe