In Loving Memory

Noi, my mother, passed away peacefully on Monday August 20, 2007 (Pacific time) / Tuesday August 21 (Bangkok time) of complications from metastasized lung cancer.

Donation

I continue to raise money for a scholarship fund set up in my late mother’s honor for teacher’s training program here. The General Mangkorn Phromyothi Foundation was founded in my grandfather’s name but with my mom’s love for education in mind. My grandfather was Thailand’s Minister of Education back in the days so the Ministry of Education asked to use his name for the newly established foundation for their Teacher’s Training Program. Essentially, the GMP Foundation funds the development of the training program for teachers with a goal to better prepare them to teach children in the rural area of Thailand. The Foundation also provides scholarships for those seeking training in this program.

To contribute, click on the banner on the right side to donate via Facebook. Folks in Thailand, please contact me directly at oakmonster at gmail dot com for account number for donation.

Pictures

Pictures from her funeral can be found here.

Eulogy

Written by my mom’s best friend Aunty Sida:

Khun Noi was born on November 29, 1941. She was the third of four daughters of Mr. Suvit and Mrs. Lamiad in Surat Thani Province [in the south of Thailand]. Noi received her elementary education in Baan Poang district in Ratchaburi province, then to St. Joseph Convent School and Amporn Paisarn School in Bangkok. After graduating from high school, she continued her studies in the UK. With an associates degree from secretary school, Noi returned to Bangkok and worked at Rama Hotel.

It was in England where Khun Noi met Khun Jed. They were each other’s first loves. The courtship began there and they remained close while Jed continued his studies in Oregon. Noi followed him to the U.S. where they got married. She remained by his side while he attended graduate school.

Upon their return to Thailand, they began their family life. Noi and Jed had 3 children together. The oldest Ake is married to Pim. The second son is Onk. And the youngest daughter Oakley is married to Brandon and they live in the U.S.

All of her life, Khun Noi had put everything into her family, keeping close eyes on her children’s education and well being. She also took care of all of her family members and friends. Nobody was ever left unassisted if assistance was needed. She never said no. Her house had become the hub for her friends and their children. Everyone knew Aunty Noi and adored her as if she was their second mother.

Khun Noi had always been the healthier one of the bunch. She quite literally flit around everywhere. She was always pleasant and had a wicked sense of humor. Every time she came back from a check up, she would tell her friends how he felt sorry for her husband because her results were impeccable.

“I think I’m one of those wives who age fast but wouldn’t die fast enough,” she said. Her friends laughed at that.

But in November 2005, Khun Noi went in for her usual check up. This time, the hospital first reported that something was wrong with her heart. She went back for a second opinion and indeed they found a mass in her lung. It turned out to be cancer. She had an operation to remove the tumor and continued to live normally.

After 9 months, we found out that the cancer had metastasized to her brain and her liver. She bravely went through radiation and chemotherapy respectively. But she finally succumbed to the disease. Khun Noi passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 21, 2007. [Bangkok time].

Her unexpected death brought on much sorrow for her family and friends. We believe that everyone here today feels that loss. If Khun Noi’s spirit could hear us, we would like to tell her that we love her very much. To us, she has never really left. She will always be in our hearts and memories forever.

With all the good karma she had in this life time, we pray that Khun Noi’s spirit will enter the heavens where she truly belongs.

Khun Noi was 65 years and 9 months old.

Original Thai version, unfortunately, didn’t survive my changing the blog template. I’ll figure this out soon.