Bounthiem Phayboun

May 10, 1933 - March 17, 2024

Bounthiem Phayboun, a woman known for her strength, love, and delicious Lao cooking, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 17, 2024, in Seattle, Washington. Born and raised in the beautiful city of Luang Prabang, Laos, to Bounying and Thiphpalor, Bounthiem was the second of four children, surrounded by the love of three sisters and a brother.

Bounthiem married Khampao Phayboun, and together they built a beautiful family. Blessed with five sons and four daughters, Bounthiem's greatest joy was her family. With unwavering determination, she led her children on a remarkable journey in 1981, leaving Laos to establish a new life in America.

Bounthiem's legacy extended far beyond the kitchen. Her unmatched culinary talents brought people together with her gift for creating Lao dishes. This passion inspired several of her children to open their own restaurants, ensuring her legacy of love and flavor would continue to nourish others.

A lover of travel, Bounthiem made a priority of visiting her children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren scattered across the country. Her generous spirit extended to her Buddhist faith, where she found solace and community in temples. Yet, Bounthiem also knew how to embrace life's simple pleasures. She possessed a wonderful sense of humor, loved to knit, enjoyed spending time in her garden, and cherished playful games of “Pai Thong” with loved ones.

Bounthiem is survived by her children Thiemchit, Niphonh, Nikone, Thiemchay, Nikhom, Thiemchanh, Nipone, Anousack, Thiemdao, and Chandy Tang and Chansamone Waghetzky, whom she raised with love. She leaves behind a loving extended family, including her in-laws, who cherished her dearly. Bounthiem is also survived by her 30 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.

Bounthiem will be remembered for her indomitable spirit, strong devotion to her children, culinary talents, and the warmth she brought to her role as a grandmother. Her enduring love for both her family and community left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

A funeral service for Bounthiem will be held Wednesday, March 27, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home, 11111 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, WA 98133. Following the funeral service will be a witness cremation from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM at Evergreen Washelli Crematory, 11111 N. Aurora Ave., Seattle, WA 98133.