Jio Chien Saetern, joined the Lord on December 12th, 2024 at age 72 in Portland, Oregon. She passed away surrounded by her children and grandchildren at her bedside. Jio was born on September 9th, 1952, in Muang Sing, Laos, to father Chan Chien and mother Fey Poo. She was the eldest of 9 siblings: Nai Chien, Seng Chien (Yao Seng), Chan Chien, San Chien (Yao Hor), Chio Chien, Fahm Chien, Ou Chien, and Lai Chien.
In 1976, After the war ended, threats from the communist government led them to flee by night, crossing the Mekong river. Jio, along with her husband Chiem and their two children Kao and Mae escaped from Lao with her sister-n-law, Nai Khuane and her young children. After a night long journey from Nam Keng, Lao, they arrived safely in Chiang Saen, Thailand.
In 1979, Jio and her family arrived in the United States. Jio had five children: son Kao Cho (born in Laos), daughters Mae Cho (born in Laos), Nai cho (born in Thailand, who passed within the first couple years of life), Koi Cho (born in Thailand) and then Kae Cho (born in US).
Jio had one of the biggest hearts. Jio enjoyed helping her family, friends, and the Iu-Mien community by cooking and sharing her delicious dishes. She spent much of her free time in the company of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Showing them traditional Mien embroidery she created. Singing Mien folk songs and cooking traditional Mien food.
Her true passion in life was fishing. She was an accomplished fisher. She fished anywhere there was water, near and far. Stories of her fishing from dawn to dusk on the riverbank and filling coolers with fish were common. Her other passion was gardening. The gardens she tended were always successful and abundant with fruits and vegetables. She loved to share her harvest with family and friends. Being able to provide benefit to others through hard work was a true blessing for her.
Jio will be truly missed by her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, father of her children Chiem Cho, partner Chan Kouie, daughter Nai Cho, great-grandson Mason and siblings Fahm Chien and Lai Chien.
Jio is survived by her children: Kao Cho (Kevin), Mae Cho (Jenny), Koi Cho (Samantha), Kae Cho (Katie).
Grandchildren: Cindy (Moung Hinh), Kayla (Nai Hinh), Becky, Malyna, JT, Kasia, Elijah, Elsa, Mason, and Jalen.
Great grandchildren: Tye, Mya, KJ, Astrid, and Ella
