Cayla Jae-Hee Kim, a lifelong resident of La Cañada Flintridge, passed away at the UCLA Ronald Reagan hospital on March 21, 2024, surrounded by her devoted family. She was 22 and a senior at La Cañada High School.
Despite living with multiple rare diseases, Cayla possessed many passions in life including fishing, art, cooking, writing fictional stories and eating at her favorite restaurant, Parks BBQ. Like her father and brothers, Cayla loved fishing and took great pride in holding the biggest trout, bass, or dreaded catfish without disgust. Cayla loved music and enjoyed several private concerts during COVID from her favorite local band, Rose Avenue Band. In 2023, she created her own company called “Cayla’s Birdhouses” – made to order birdhouses that became a highly coveted status symbol among all who knew her.
Cayla brought the deepest joy, laughter and hope to her family and many others. She lived life with extraordinary zest, simple appreciation for small things, and an ability to not care what others thought. She had a strength that many in power lack, a beauty that transcended comprehension and determination that could move mountains. Despite all her challenges, Cayla never experienced self-pity. She lived out her life verse given to her by her father, “For God did not give us the spirit of fear, but of power, love and sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
Cayla is survived by her mother, Michelle; father, John; brothers: Joshua and Luke; grandmother, Yu Ja Lee of Laguna Woods and many aunties, uncles, and cousins. Her wake service was held on March 29 at Cabot Funeral Home and Celebration of Life at the Oakmont Country Club on March 30 with more than 400 beloved friends and family in attendance.
