In Loving Memory of Sene Sitthimongkhol

Sene (“Mae Kaen”) Sitthimongkhol, aged 64, passed away on January 17, 2022 after putting up a strong fight against Covid-19 and other underlying health conditions. Sene was born on July 3, 1957 in Pakse, Laos to Sie and Pheng. She immigrated to the United States in opportunity for a better life. She also later brought along her beloved nephew, Othong (“Ang”), whom she took in and considered her own son. She married Inpone and had two children whom she loved dearly, Daovone (“Thuy”) and Akorn (“Bee”). Then in 1989, her husband had passed away due to cancer, and Mae raised her two kids on her own. She later married Khamphouk in 2001.

Sene, or Mae, as we would call her - helped to raise so many of us. It didn’t matter if we were related to her or not, she always had so much love to give and treated those she raised as her own. She took care of everyone and was a motherly figure to all, which is why we call her “Mae” (Mom). She made an everlasting impact on those she touched and shaped us into who we are today, which is why she will be so deeply missed.

One of Mae’s favorite ways to express her love and kindness was through her food. Whether it was someone’s birthday, someone graduating, or if she just wanted us to visit, Mae would cook something delicious and invite us over to her small apartment. We would always leave her place feeling content and full to our stomachs, and our clothes would often smell of her food. She was the most amazing cook and made the best authentic Lao cuisine. Some of our favorites were her sukiyaki, mee hang, Lao sausage, and cream cheese wontons. Even when she didn’t have much money, she would find a way to cook up our favorite dishes and would often deliver them to our houses to make sure we were fed and taken care of.

Despite being 4’11”, Mae was a firecracker - she was mighty, bold, loud, and fiesty. It didn’t matter if you were talking to her in-person or over the phone; she would often speak loudly and sometimes yell in your ear (we can all still clearly remember the sound of her voice). She also had the best sense of humor and her laugh was always so contagious. Mae was really good with babies and little kids, even though she would find joy in playfully teasing and frustrating them. Anyone she raised probably received a bad haircut from her at one point or another (like a bowl cut). We would often catch her wearing a comfortable “sinh” at home, making phone calls to catch up with friends and family, or watching funny Thai TV shows and dramas.

Mae didn’t always have the most to give, yet she somehow gave so much while taking so little in return. She had the biggest heart and always spoiled all those she loved. Mae also worried a lot about those she held dear to her because she truly loved, cared, and wanted the best for us.

We are all so heartbroken that Mae was taken away from us so soon, but we know that she stayed strong like she always does and fought her hardest till the very end. We will always be grateful for the time we had with her and cherish every moment we shared. Mae will forever be with us in our hearts.

Sene is survived by her daughter Daovone; son Akorn; second husband Khamphouk; nephew Othong; great-nephew Daren; and great-niece Lellian.

Service will be held at Washburn-McReavy Crystal Lake Chapel on Monday, January 24th at 12pm. Address: 3816 Penn Ave N Minneapolis, MN 55412.

If you would like to support our family during these hard times, feel free to make a donation. Any amount you choose to donate would greatly lessen the financial stress on our family and help contribute to the funeral and memorial costs. If you prefer venmo, please venmo lellian-malaythong. We appreciate all your support.