Melinda Thao

She was born on June 19, 1982 in Seattle to Xai Cha and Kher Lia Thao. She’s lived in Seattle all her life. She graduated from Franklin High School in 2000 and went on to earn her Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies; Social Sciences with a minor in Business Administration, in 2008 at Central Washington University.

Melinda was a vivacious individual with an infectious smile that lit up every room she entered. With a fierce soul, she always fought for what was right and encouraged those she loved to always do better for themselves. She truly loved her family with everything she had.

Her contributions to her family are irreplaceable. Most of us will remember her as a fiery and strong wife who was both a confident, ambitious woman and a loving mother.

Melinda Thao is survived by her Husband (Fred Hang), 3 Sons (Ryu, Raiden, and Kensei), her Mother (Xai Cha) and Father (Kher Lia Thao), 7 sisters (Mary, Aileen, Ivy, Lucy, Amy, Sandy, and Sarah),2 brothers (Jan, and Johnny), Mother in-law (Yeu Yang), Father in-law (Koua Hang) 4 sisters-in-law (Christine, Nancy, Stacy, and Vicki), and 3 brothers-in-law (Henry, Richard, and Scott). Melinda will also be forever remembered by her numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and dear friends.

­­_________________________________________________________________________

Dear Melinda…

To the Love of my life, the Love of a lifetime,

I will miss your sweet smile, irresistible personality, fierce determination, strong will, loyal partnership and unwithering love. I promise to make you proud. I will raise our boys to be honorable men. I will keep fighting for them. I know you will be watching over us. I am lucky to have spent 18 years with you. I am glad you chose me. The happiness you brought into my life is incomparable. I would do it again and again, infinity times over. I love you and will miss you.

Your love,

Fred

____________________________________________

Dear Mom,

I remember when it used to be just you and me at Grandma's house. Dad would go to work and you would study and finish your college homework while I watched SpongeBob all day. After you were done, we would talk and hang out all night until dad got home and then we would all go to bed together. I just want it to be like that again. You weren't supposed to be gone so soon. You were supposed to see me graduate. You were supposed to see me get married. I was supposed drive you around when you didn't want to. I was supposed to get rich and buy you whatever you wanted. You were supposed to be the best Grandma to my future kids. I promise to look over Raiden and Kensei with everything. All you ever wanted for us was to succeed and you always put us 3 before anything no matter what. I pray and hope to find a woman that’s even half of what you are. I couldn't have asked for a better teacher in life than you. All you have to do now is sit back and relax and watch me because it's nothing but success from here on out. I love you mommy.

Ryu Jordan Hang age: 16

____________________________________________

I loved how my Mom always smiled and pushed me to try harder. She yelled at me, and reprimanded me, but I would give everything for it to happen again. I really loved my Mom.

Raiden Jet Hang age: 12

____________________________________________

She was a loving and caring Mom and I will always miss her.

Kensei Chase Hang age: 10