Khamphouvong “Kim” Thammavongsa, loving wife and mother, 68, of West Scranton, passed on Sunday morning at home after an extended illness. Her husband of 46 years is Narong “Nicky” Thammavongsa. Born in Attapeu, Laos, she is the daughter of the late Boulang Phomsamreth and Manichanh Thammasith. Khampouvong was educated in Laos where she taught home economics. In 1978 she arrived in the U.S., sponsored By the Lutheran Refugee Services and obtained U.S. citizenship. Khamphouvong worked for individual families and households as a nanny and housekeeper before attaining certification as a nurses’ aide, working for 18 years before retirement at Golden Living Center. She was a member of Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Mary Parish, Scranton and Wat Lao Samakhitham, Whitney Point, New York.
Khamphouvong is also survived by her children, Narrimone Vivid Thammavongsa and husband Daniel Zeller, Scranton, and son, Norris Mercy Thammavongsa, Conshohocken; eight Thammasith siblings; Somvang, Pheng, Phonsavanh, Khouane, Ai, Seng, Souk and La, six Phomsamreth siblings; Phongsy, Phoumy, Khanouthith, Phongphet, Souksavanh, and Alouny. Khamphouvong was predeceased by siblings; Kong, Thavy, Maly and Bounthavy. She kept in regular contact with family and friends near and far. She had a craft for making silk flower arrangements and tasty papaya salad and spring rolls. She had an engaging laugh and insisted that you do not show up, leave, or come back empty-handed. Khamphouvong enjoyed a spiritual and temporal approach to life. She will be greatly missed. Private interment will be at Wat Lao Samakhitham.
