Kao Yia Cha

Kao Yia Cha (Niam Kuj Lwm Tsab), age 76, took her last breath and passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at the Oregon Health and Science University Hospital (OHSU) in Portland, Oregon. Kao has been fighting a chronic respiratory illness that slowly caused the decline of her health.

Kao Yia was born in Phuab Las Pheej, Laos on November 30,1947 to Ntsuab Khaum Vwj and Mim Tsab. She was the only child when her father had passed away early and left her in her mother's care. Her mother soon remarried and had her brother and sister. Due to cultural beliefs, Kao Yia was left in her Vue uncle's care. She spent the majority of her youth at the rice field and took care of the farm animals. She has always told stories of how she slept at the farm and ate fresh lemongrass, hmong cucumber and sometimes seasonal creek crab. She spoke often of her hardships and how those struggles grew to become her strengths.

Kao Yia was married at the age of 15 years old and became the first of the three wives to Kuj Lwm Chong Tou Tsab. She gave birth to four boys and five girls. She never got the opportunity to pursue any education because of her poor upbringing. However, she made up for it by being a hard worker. Her dedication to her family made her a nurturing and purposeful mother, as well as a dutiful and devoted wife. She was also a great step-mother to her other 5 daughters; Nai, Mao, Mai, Mee and My.

Kao Yia is survived by her 7 children; Ka, Tong, Shoua, Yee, Aidee, OG, and Yer. She has several sons-in-law and a daughter-in-law. She also has 11 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Her late children are Tub Tsu, who was her first born son and had passed away at the age of 3 months, and Larry Cha, who passed away almost a year ago.

Kao Yia was full of life and very adventurous. She loved to travel with her children and grandchildren. She is also a kid at heart and loves Disney. Her favorite Disney character is Tinker Bell, because she resonated with her characteristics. Tinker Bell will make something out of nothing. Her favorite color is pink, and she loves watching drama series (ex: Thai, Korean, Disney). Her favorite foods are Crawfish, pepper and salted squid, salad rolls and Carl’s Jr Angus burger. Her deepest joy is spending time with her grandkids.

Although she is no longer here, Kao Yia Cha has left a legacy of love and compassion as a template for those left behind.