Veronica Jayne Jimenez

Born in Seoul, Korea, on January 5, 1974, the story of how tiny Kim Choon Ja became the beautiful and delightful Veronica Jayne Narel Jimenez is one that has become a staple in the lore of her grateful family. She grew up one of five later to become one of eleven, and not only held her own in a lovingly chaotic household, she became the family’s chief historian and tradition keeper. From early on it was no contest: she got the best grades, was the best behaved, collected the nicest friends, was the most helpful, neatest, most organized, and best dressed. A streak of craftily moderated mischievousness ensured that her category was not “goodie-goodie,” but “watch out for that one!” Veronica graduated from Catholic University and did post-graduate work with an eye toward becoming an educator, but interests and talent steered her to the business world. Her success as a commercial property manager in the nation’s capital was solid in its own right—she was smart, responsible, multi-talented, and able to anticipate and prepare for challenging developments. What most distinguished her, however, was her way of forming and growing warm personal relationships. Colleagues, customers, tenants, vendors, and others came to know her, trust her, rely on her, and really, really like her. Her involvement with downtown charities became an admired trademark. Victor came into her life as an acquaintance, became a friend, grew to be her loving husband, and ultimately was her champion. As a sideline, he and his family opened a gateway for the already multi-cultural Narels into the world of Hispanic food, fiesta, family, and friendship. The diagnosis of Moyamoya disease was devastating to all who loved her. Veronica was able to absorb the terrible news, then regain her remarkable composure. She faced surgery having made earthly preparations and being fully ready to go to God. It would be more than three years before she would enter heaven, during which time she endured with courage and grace, teaching all of us dignity, humility, patience, resolve, and acceptance. All who knew her, and especially we who loved her, received a gift from God that will endure forever.