Noy Chanthachack

Noy Chanthachack, age 81, of Stockton, California passed away on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. Ya was born on August 2, 1943, in Nam Nga, Luang Prabang, Laos to Song and Chun Tagok in their quaint, little village called Mok Lamdang. She was the oldest sibling of 5 children, her brother Unam, sisters La and Neum, and an unnamed, angel baby. She used to tell us stories of her playing with her siblings in the nearby streams as a child. They would climb trees, pick leaves, and imagine a world of dreams as children often do.

However, Ya’s dreams were cut short as she had to endure the crushing loss of her entire family. She braved the cold world all on her own as a young girl. Ya was born in a time when all parts of the world were going through significant, historical and tragic events. Here are other world events that transpired the day Ya was born:

- The Treblinka Uprising, where Jewish prisoners attacked SS soldiers and set buildings on fire

- Torpedo boat USS PT-109, commanded by future president Lt. John F. Kennedy, is sunk in the Solomon Islands by Japanese destroyer Amagiri

- A C-46 cargo plane flying from India to China crashes in the jungle

Much like the older generation, Ya grew to be resilient though reserved, and she lived a long and fulfilling life. True to the definition of a matriarch, Ya raised three generations of Kmhmu families. She had grit, determination, and strength, but behind it all was a woman full of love, gratitude and humor; all qualities that she was sure to instill in her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We were all lucky to be able to share our brief time together with her.

A visitation for Noy will be held Wednesday, October 30, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at DeYoung Memorial Chapel, 601 N California St, Stockton, California 95202. A funeral service will occur Thursday, October 31, 2024 from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, 601 N California St, Stockton, California 95202. A committal will occur Thursday, October 31, 2024 at San Joaquin Catholic Cemetery, 719 E Harding Way, Stockton, CA 95204.