Grafton – Sun Ok “Sunny” Whitney, 78, of Grafton, MA, passed away peacefully in her sleep the evening of July 27, 2023 at UMass Memorial Hospital after a long struggle with her health. She was surrounded by loved ones in her final hours.
She was born May 15, 1945, in Busan, South Korea. Sunny was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt.
Sunny arrived in the United States on August 5, 1970, the first of her family to emigrate from South Korea, after having met her husband, Bruce, while he was stationed in South Korea. She was one of the very first to arrive in the United States on a K-1 “Fiance’ Visa” which was passed into law on April 7, 1970, to assist in the immigration process for couples who met during the war. Her visa was processed just days after the passing of the law. Bruce and Sunny were married on August 20th of that year at Trinity Lutheran Church in Worcester, MA. She proudly became a United States Citizen on April 20, 1976, and participated in a naturalization ceremony on July 4th, held in honor of the country’s bicentennial.
Sunny was known for her funny nature, and she brought joy to everyone she met. April Fool’s Day was a favorite of hers. She had a special talent for knitting baby blankets, enjoyed spending her free time playing bingo, and was famous amongst her son’s friends for cooking Korean food for all who entered her home, a favorite was her “Momma Whitney’s hot wings”. Sunny enjoyed candlepin bowling in her pre-retirement years, participating in a bowling league with co-workers and friends. However, her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren and watching them grow to be amazing young people.
She is survived by her loving husband, Bruce Whitney of Grafton, MA, her daughter Heather (Whitney) Ankner and son-in-law Michael Ankner, Jr., of Jacksonville, FL, her son Barry Whitney and daughter-in-law Cheryl (Hopkins) Whitney, also of Grafton, her nephew Soo Gin Do of Denver, CO, brothers Eui Deuk “Douggie” Do, of Worcester, MA and Eui Dong “Donny” Do, and his wife Soo Eun of Leominster, MA, her sisters Youngja Lee and her husband Jongkun of Framingham, MA and Mija Kim and her husband Sukman of Grafton, her grandchildren Sydney Whitney and Morgan Whitney of Grafton, (Michael) Eli Anckner of Jacksonville, and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Sunny also leaves behind several family members in Busan, South Korea, including brothers Eui Ho “Hoya” Do, his wife Sungsuk Kim, and sister Soonja Do and her husband Kitae Kim.
Sunny was preceded in death by her son Brian Whitney, her father Dal Baek Do, her mother Pil Soo Chun, her brother EuieungDo, and sister Sunyae Do.
A private graveside service was held to honor and remember Sunny’s life.
Sunny will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of family and friends.
The Roney Funeral Home of North Grafton assisted.
