Manivanh Keomoungkhoune

At the young age of 79, surrounded by her children and grandchildren along with the love and support of those near and far who couldn’t be by her side, Manivanh Keomoungkhoune passed away peacefully to join the awaiting heavenly, loving arms of her pre-deceased husband Khamphay. 

Mani is survived by her children Sivivanh (Ray) Nelson, Chanmaly (Karl) Ly, Siamphone (Souraphonh) Anouthay, Chansamone Bryant, Sayouthone Keomoungkhoune, Thipphasone Keomoungkhoune, and Vilayphone (Paul) O’Malley and her 21 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

On January 21, 1946, Mani was the 3rd youngest born to Khamphay and Oubuan Semeung, along with 7 siblings (2 brothers and 5 sisters) in the village of Yasothon, Thailand.

Mani went to school in Thailand and became a primary school teacher in Thangnon (Tongyawn), Laos where she met and married the love of her life Khamphay in 1962. She was a dedicated teacher until her first child was born and then shifted her devotion to become a stay-at-home mom.

As their family grew, Mani worked their farm to provide for the family. Every opportunity she had to harvest and catch fresh food for those she loved gave her great pride and joy.

Thirteen days after their seventh and last child was born in 1977, the love of her life had to depart from the family in search of safety and security for the family’s future, leaving Mani and seven children under the age of thirteen to wait for word of a safe passage.

Mani’s dedication and devotion to her children was the light that offered hope and prosperity and the chance for a better life away from their war-torn homeland of Laos. Khamphay returned to Laos for his family in 1978 to begin their dream of a safe haven for the family’s future.

After 2 years living in refugee camps, the Keomoungkhoune family left the Nongkhai camp to begin their new life in New York in the fall of 1980, saying goodbye to the only home they knew.

The significance of building and creating a safe and healthy environment for the family was of the utmost importance that they could provide for their children. There in Victor/Farmington NY, Mani began her career in the manufacturing business with Voplex and then SouthCo until her early retirement in 1999.

Mani then dedicated her time to the Rochester NY area Lao community and temple and to her family and friends. Mani was able to travel and enjoy making memories alongside her husband until his passing in 2005. She then found herself moving in with her daughter Chanmaly and family in Corning, NY. Mani earnestly found her quiet independence and moved to Johnson City, NY where she established herself and became an integral part of the Lao community and temple and was respected by all. In time, Mani then moved to Advance, NC, where she was loved and cared for by her eldest daughter Sivivanh, and her family. Mani often enjoyed outings and gatherings with family and friends where she created binding bonds that continued through her life and beyond. Her middle child Chansamone then welcomed her to live with her and her daughter in Crawfordville, FL where her care continued until her passing.

Everyone who knew Mani knew that her family was the world to her first and foremost. But anyone who truly knew her knew of her second passion. Everyone within that inner circle knew of her love of playing the lottery, scratch tickets, and the slot machines. Also known to that inner circle as “exercising.” Mani took many trips with family and friends to work out that elbow and wrist with great delight! She found a lot of joy and happiness in that environment. She was also known for her flexibility and out-flexing everyone with her splits! Incredibly she was also an active walker and would walk around her neighborhoods for miles getting in those steps multiple times a day! That’s when she found her peace and quiet, and planned her next adventures with those she loved.

Mani exuded grace, love, compassion, and kindness to all and always welcomed those who didn’t view things the same as she did. She understood and allowed grace where it was needed. She had a beautiful and loving smile that always filled the room with joy and happiness when she walked in. Her soul emanated devotion to her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The constant affection for those she loved shined in her eyes, glimmering the path from her soul to theirs. Her tenderness and care towards everyone will never be forgotten for it will always remain connected to our souls.

Mani will forever be in our hearts, our memories, and our beings as she has taught us that love has no boundaries. Love has no constraints. And love is never-ending. She will always be with us as we look around and see the beauty that she helped open our eyes and hearts to welcome.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at the Robert F. Miller Center at Hayworth-Miller's Silas Creek Chapel.

Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel is serving the family.