Tiao Vanhsy "Vicki" Khounlavouth Kumar, age 78, of Aurora, Colorado passed away on Saturday, July 30, 2022. She was born December 1, 1943 to father, Satur Tanh Khounlavouth, and mother, Phoung Sawaht, just a block away from the Royal Palace.
Vanhsy was raised by her mom, dad, and grandmother, Mariray Phongsavouth, in Luang Prabang, Laos. She spent her childhood and young adulthood growing and enjoying the beautiful city of Choumkhong, in Luang Prabang. As a member of the Royal Family, her fate quickly changed. Her father was a high ranking judge for the Royal Party during the “Secret War”. Members of her family sadly had to pay the ultimate price during this tragic event, and she had no choice but to flee the home and country that she deeply loved. Vanhsy was forced to live in exile, but was blessed to seek asylum in the country of Thailand. She was eventually placed in a refugee camp, and from there she immigrated to the United States; in pursuit of the American Dream.
Vanhsy settled in Colorado with no money and no knowledge of the English language. She was determined to start a new life and provide for her family. So she obtained a job in the hotel industry, and quickly moved up the ranks to Banquet Manager at the Radisson Hotel, in Denver, Colorado. One of Vanhsy’s numerous accomplishments in life was winning Employee Of The Year; a distinguished award given to one out of over a hundred employees. Vanhsy accomplished this feat while speaking minimal English. She passed on this diligent mentality of hard work and perseverance to her children.
As was destiny, Vanhsy met Robert Kumar through a mutual friend in Denver, Colorado. Robert charmed his way into her heart and they would later go on to be married for 30 years. Robert and Vanhsy opened a new chapter in their lives, and embraced their love, by introducing Kevin Kumar to the world on December 10th 1992. Vanhsy loved to cook and provided anyone that walked into her house with a delicious home cooked meal, love, laughs and a smile.
She will be forever loved by, and is survived by her husband, Robert Kumar. She is also survived by her daughters, Thipsouda and Lamphay (Kham); her son, Kevin; 8 Grandchildren, Naomi, Kitana, Kenny Xayavong. Mouky, Micky, Moukthida, Alex, and Hajan; one Great-Grandchild, first; siblings, nieces, nephews, and many, many, friends.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.olingerchapelhill.com for the Khounlavouth Kumar family.
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