Soukkaseum Xaphakdy

Soukkaseum Xaphakdy, aged 79, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. ✨ Early Life & Heritage Soukkaseum was the youngest of five children of Xeum and Keo Boutsavath, born into a highly regarded family on Khong Island. Her grandfather held a high-ranking position appointed by the Lao King, fulfilling a role of leadership that brought pride to the family. These roots instilled in her values of modesty, diligence, and perseverance-qualities that would guide her throughout her life. In an era when education for young girls was rare, she completed the 6th grade-the highest level of schooling available on the island at the time. From her mother and grandmother, she learned the art of silk weaving. One day, while weaving beneath her home, a young man named Chanhdeng Xaphakdy noticed her. After three years of courtship, they fell in love and married. 💔 Hardships in Laos Political upheaval in Laos brought significant hardship to her family. Her husband, who served as a Captain in the Royal Lao Army, was imprisoned in a reeducation camp when the Communist regime took over. Demonstrating extraordinary love and courage, Soukkaseum chose to endure the camp alongside him to keep their family united. In a difficult decision to increase their chances of survival, the family split apart to escape. Over the course of three separate journeys, they fled Laos-one led by Soukkaseum, who guided her three daughters to safety. With courage and quick thinking, she evaded capture when a patrolman on the Mekong River questioned their journey, ultimately delivering them safely to a refugee camp in Thailand. &#55356;�&#55356;� Life in the United States In 1986, Soukkaseum immigrated to the United States with her husband and children in search of a better life. Sponsored by a Lutheran church, the family initially settled in Virginia. After just one year, tragedy struck when her husband died in a car accident. Left widowed in a new country, she raised their five children-Patrick, Christopher, Linda, Viraphet, and Soukthanome-on her own, along with her two nephews, Ben and Khamphitoune. After her husband's passing, she moved to Minnesota, where she continued to care for her children and build a new life. She later remarried and relocated to Oregon for a time period, and returned to Minnesota, where she spent the remainder of her life. Throughout her journey, Soukkaseum built strong friendships wherever she lived. She had a quiet charm and natural warmth that made forming connections effortless. She made many sacrifices throughout her life, always putting her children and loved ones first. One of her proudest accomplishments was raising all five of her children and nephews, each of whom went on to attend and graduate from college. Her steady presence and strong will became the foundation of her family's success. 💼 Work & Home Life Back in Laos, Soukkaseum cared lovingly for her elderly mother until she joined her husband in the reeducation camps. After arriving in the U.S., she held various jobs-including as a nanny and assembler-while maintaining a warm, neat household. Her routine of sweeping the floor multiple times became a cherished family joke. She always liked to keep herself busy, finding purpose and energy in staying active through work and caring for others. A devout Buddhist, Soukkaseum instilled in her children the values of education, hard work, and financial discipline. She ensured they were always clean, well-fed, and respectful, even in the refugee camps. 👵 A Loving Grandmother Soukkaseum cherished her role as a grandmother to eleven grandchildren, all of whom have fond memories of her combing and braiding their hair with gentle care. She cared for each of them while their parents worked, filling their childhoods with warmth and affection. One of the ways she showed love was through her humor. She created humorous and endearing nicknames for each grandchild-names that have stuck and continue to bring smiles today. &#55356;� Hobbies & Joys She found joy in gardening-especially tending to her pepper plants-and took pride in sewing and altering her clothing to fit perfectly. Her love for Lao cuisine never faded. Even in her final days, as her memory declined, she insisted on getting up to make rice and food. Her favorite dishes included baked fish, pun pah (fish wrap), and other traditional Lao meals. 🕊️ In Memoriam Soukkaseum is survived by her five children, eleven grandchildren, extended family, and many dear friends. She was deeply loved by all who knew her, and will be remembered for her strength, her giving spirit, her charm, and her unwavering love. Her legacy lives on through the strength she passed to those who knew and loved her. 🕯️ Memorial Service Date: Saturday, August 2, 2025Location: Crystal Lake Funeral Chapel and Cemetery3816 N Penn Ave, Minneapolis, MNTime: 12:00 p.m.The family warmly invites friends and loved ones to gather in celebration of Soukkaseum's remarkable life. Photos, memories, and stories are welcome.

Tributes

Soukkaseum Xaphakdy

March 1, 1946 - July 26, 2025

Tributes

Soukkaseum Xaphakdy

March 1, 1946 - July 26, 2025

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