Hyangmi Yi

Hyangmi Yi passed away on January 15, 2022. Hyangmi owned AMERASIA-SUMOSUSHI in Albuquerque. She was born in Gansun, South Korea. Her first and only job while in the United States was at Amerasia, which was then located on Cornell Street in Albuquerque. She became the owner of Amerasia and expanded it to include the Sumo Sushi Restaurant. Her Daughter Christina has operated the business during Hyangmi's illness.

Hyangmi's customers referred to her as "Han". Generations of New Mexico families have enjoyed her Dim Sum for many years. Her favorite time of the year was her annual Chinese New Year Celebration - which was always reserved to capacity. She loved her customers and could always remember what they ordered off her Dim Sum Cart.

Hyangmi is survived by her Mother, Insook Yi (Gunsan, South Korea), Daughter Christina Garcia and Husband Gilbert Garcia, her Grandchildren Noelle Garcia, Isaiah Garcia and Sydney Garcia. Hyangmi was married to Andrew Ortiz and also leaves behind her stepchildren Caden Ortiz, Curtis Ortiz and Amber Gonzales (Sarah & Antonio). She is also survived by her brother, Yooyoung Lee (Eunhee Kim), niece and nephew Yoonji and Moochan, and her Brother Jooyoung Yi (Gunsan, South Korea). We, along with her dog "Kimchi" will suffer her loss in our hearts forever.

Hyangmi contributed to feeding the homeless and donated to various charities throughout the Albuquerque area. She loved watching football, to fly fishing, and enjoyed cooking for others. She also loved traveling back to South Korea to visit her mother.

Hyangmi was a gentle and generous soul. She had dignity and class before and throughout her illness. Not enough words can describe her loving nature and dedication to those she loved. She made sure everyone was well fed and she was an excellent self-taught Chef. Her desire was that her daughter Christina, continue to operate Amerasia and continue her legacy.

Our family wishes to thank her healthcare providers at MD Anderson Cancer Centers (Rust), Dr. Kenneth Smith and his staff, Kaseman Presbyterian, Presbyterian Home Care Nursing, and Kaseman Hospice for their relentless attention to her treatment and comfort.

Funeral arrangements are through Salazar Funeral Home. Hyangmi's end-of-life celebration is on March 6, 2022 at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Event Center from 2-5 p.m. Updates posted through Salazar Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to a cancer treatment organization of your choice.