Soun Im’s Funeral Service

Soun Im, who faced the dual challenges of bilateral DVT in November 2023 and a diagnosis of cervical cancer in May 2024, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home on Monday, August 12, 2024, at 4:05 a.m., surrounded by her loving family. Soun was born to Soeum Im and Say Som on November 18, 1980, in Kupcheurn, Thailand. She was the ninth of twelve siblings: Eldest sister Momthim Im in Cambodia, Second Elder brother Soueng Im in Modesto, Third Elder brother Seth Im in South Carolina, Fourth Elder Sister Sean Im passed away, Fifth Elder Sister Mao Im in Modesto, Sixth Elder Brother Sang Im, Seventh Elder Brother Ratha Im passed away, Eighth Elder Brother Thy Im in Modesto, Ninth Soun Im, Tenth Younger Brother Vy Im, Eleventh Younger Sister Reth Im, and Twelfth Younger Sister Nancy Im. Soun’s life began under extraordinary and challenging circumstances. Her family fled Cambodia due to the devastating Khmer Rouge regime, which ruled from 1974 to 1979 under Pol Pot. The Khmer Rouge's brutal policies resulted in the genocide of an estimated 1.7 to 2 million people, leading to widespread displacement and suffering. The regime's use of mass executions, forced labor, and torture in places like the Killing Fields and S-21 prison left a lasting scar on Cambodian history. After the Khmer Rouge was overthrown by Vietnamese forces in 1979, Soun's family sought refuge in Thailand. Despite the hardships of displacement, Soun demonstrated remarkable resilience and hope for a better future. She later settled in the underserved community of Modesto, California, where she worked tirelessly to support her family. Soun is survived by her husband Damien Hernandez and children: daughter Kitana Earl (24), son Michael Earl (21), daughter Kayani Hernandez (5), and grandson Savon Earl (3 months). She devoted herself to her family, being their primary source of support and survival. In her final years, Soun faced significant health challenges, which depleted her savings and placed her family in financial hardship. If you knew Soun, you will remember her for her beautiful smile, kind heart, and selflessness. She went out of her way to help others, often putting their needs before her own. In lieu of flowers, donations to assist Soun’s family during this difficult time are greatly appreciated. Your support, whether large or small, will help her children immensely as they navigate this period of loss and financial strain. Soun’s legacy of love and generosity will be cherished by all who knew her.

Funeral service will be held on

Saturday, August 24, 2024

from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Salas Brothers Funeral Chapel

4I9 Scenic Dr. Modesto, CA 95350

Buddhist Ceremony will be held on

Sumnday, August 25, 2024

from 9:o0 AM - 12:00 PM

Modesto Cambodian Buddhist Society, Inc

1528 Grimes Avenue, Modesto, CA 95358

Thank you for your kind donation. May you be blessed with good health, wealth, and happiness.