In Loving Memory of Saoeun Chea

It is with heavy hearts and deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of our Mother/Godmother Saoeun Chea, who peacefully departed this life at the age of 70, surrounded by her loving family. Born on March 2, 1954, in Cambodia, Om (meaning “older auntie” in Khmer) spent her early years in Phnom Penh, where she worked as a talented seamstress. She bravely fled to Thailand with her infant son to escape the Khmer Rouge war, being the only ones in her immediate family to survive, before immigrating with her in-laws to Tacoma, WA in 1984. In 1987, she and her young son and infant daughter moved in with our family in Lowell, MA where we all grew up for most of our lives. For over three decades, Om was a constant source of love, guidance, and support, helping to raise not just her own children but also me and my siblings.

Om’s life was defined by her selflessness, kindness, and gentle spirit. She was a devout Buddhist for all of her life. One of her proudest achievements was her 10-day pilgrimage to the Kiryvongsa Bopharam Buddhist Temple in Leverett, MA (known to the Cambodian community as “Wat Phnom”), where she studied meditation and Buddhist chants on three separate occasions alongside her best friend and God-sister, Sovinnara Imm (my mom), and hundreds of other participants. Om also took great joy in volunteering at the local temple, where she attended fundraiser events, studied Buddhist teachings and meditation every weekend with her best friend, and helped to prepare food for the monks and clean up after services. She also regularly gave back to the Lowell community and other temples.

Om was a beautiful and fashionable woman who had a keen appreciation for high-quality, beautiful clothes. Her love for fashion extended beyond her own wardrobe, as she often created exquisite garments with her own hands. In addition to her style and grace, Om loved gardening, cooking, and spending time with her daughter, Sila. The bond they shared was one of her greatest joys, alongside the time spent with her son, Sam, grandsons, Oliver and Elliott, and her beloved family and friends. She was also known to be a fantastic cook who kept her family well-fed with traditional Cambodian food and cut-up fruits. Shopping trips and walks along the Boulevard with my mom were among her favorite pastimes.

In 2018, Om achieved one of her proudest accomplishments by officially becoming a U.S. citizen, a testament to her perseverance and dedication. She worked as an assembler at Coating Systems Inc. for most of her adult life until her retirement in 2022.

Om is survived by her daughter, Sila Chea; her son, Samuel Bourne and his wife, Jacqueline Bourne; her grandsons, Oliver and Elliott Bourne; her best friend and God-sister, Sovinnara Imm and her husband, Songim Imm; her close friend Chhorvy Pin; her God-nieces, Kanitha Nguyen and Vannoroth Imm; her God-nephew, Sayannarith Imm; and their families.

Om’s presence in our lives was truly a gift. She taught us the meaning of selflessness, kindness, and unconditional love. Her gentle nature and nurturing spirit made her an angel on Earth, and now she has returned home to Heaven, leaving behind a legacy of love and compassion that will be cherished forever. “Love is braver than fear.”

Om Saoeun’s wake will be held on Monday September 2nd at 3pm, at Glory Buddhist Temple in Lowell, MA, and procession/interment will be Tuesday September 3rd at 8:30am from Glory Buddhist Temple to the Lowell Cemetery. All who knew her and her family are welcome to attend. For those inquiring, flowers may be delivered to the McDonough Funeral Home (14 Highland Street, Lowell, MA 01852, Attn: Saoeun Chea) until September 1st, and then the Glory Buddhist Temple (24 Cambridge Street, Lowell, MA 01852, Attn: Saoeun Chea) on September 2nd. As we have received multiple offers from family and friends, we request that donations be made to this GoFundMe (or via Venmo to @Kanitha-Nguyen if you prefer) to help cover her funeral costs. We will be so grateful for any contribution, big or small. Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts for your support, and all your kind words and prayers during this difficult time.