OCA Mourns the Loss of Frances M. Namkoong
For Immediate Release
September 29, 2025
Media Contact:
Socheata Sun, Senior Communications Associate
socheata.sun@ocanational.org
Washington, D.C. — OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates mourns the loss of Frances M. Namkoong, a beloved leader who served on the OCA National Executive Council and was a cornerstone of OCA - Greater Cleveland. Namkoong dedicated decades of her life to uplifting the Asian American and Pacific Islander community through her tireless advocacy, mentorship, and leadership.
Her vision and commitment helped strengthen OCA’s mission at both the national and local levels. Namkoong’s work in Cleveland empowered generations of leaders and ensured that OCA - Greater Cleveland became a hub for community organizing, cultural pride, and civil rights. She will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and unwavering dedication to advancing equity for all.
“I met my mentor, Frances Namkoong, during my college years and was instantly inspired by her energy and passion for uplifting Asian American, minority, and broader communities,” remembered Lisa Wong, Chapter President of OCA - Greater Cleveland. “She and her late husband, David, were a powerful team, consistently leading with compassion and a strong commitment to justice. She was a petite powerhouse and expressed her joy for life on the dance floor. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched and the advocates she inspired. She will be dearly remembered. Rest in peace, Fran.”
“Fran and David Namkoong were part of the 1960s civil rights movement,” stated Daphne Kwok, Former Executive Director of OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates. “They carried their activism, passion, and coalition-building throughout their lives, and OCA was one of the beneficiaries. Fran helped lead OCA’s efforts to break the glass ceiling, among many other issues that, unfortunately, we are still addressing 30 years later. This nation would be a very different place if there were more people like Fran Namkoong.”
A service in Namkoong’s memory will be held on Tuesday, September 30, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. A livestream of the ceremony will be available here or on YouTube.
Her obituary can be found here.
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About OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates
Founded in 1973, OCA–Asian Pacific American Advocates is a national, member-driven social justice organization of community advocates dedicated to advancing the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs). Learn more about our work at ocanational.org/about.