Vinthong Chanthadouangsy, better known as Vin to her family and friends, passed away in her home on September 19, 2025, after a brief, but brave battle with cancer. 

Vin was born in Savannakhet, Laos on November 15, 1947, to Chanmoon and Manivanh Chansomphou and is the second eldest of four siblings. After graduating from Savannakhet College in 1963, she continued her education at University in Pakse and went on to become a teacher at Ratanalansy Elementary School. In 1971, she met her husband Somnhot, of 53 years, in Savannakhet and they later married in January of 1972. They have 3 children: Vasana (Peter McDonough), Sath and Von.

Vin continued to work as a school teacher while her husband was stationed in the military around Laos. After the Vietnam War, the communist party took over the Lao government and Somnhot was sent to "re-education" camp in March 1975. He was later forced to escape from Laos to Thailand, and from there, to the US in 1976.  Somnhot was able to discreetly send word back to Laos, letting Vin know that if she and their children were able to flee to Thailand, he would help them find their way to the US to join him.

After finishing her work day on February 24, 1977, Vin packed up her belongings, along with their three children, and fled Laos, later landing in a Thai refugee camp. After two months in the refugee camp, Vin and her children then made their pivotal journey to the US and were finally reunited with Somnhot in April of 1977. They began life in the US in Elgin, IL for two years before settling in Aurora, IL, where they raised their family for 33 years. Vin and her husband then retired to Ellenton, FL in 2011.

Vin loved living her remaining years in Florida, where she enjoyed spending her days with her husband, her friends, and family. She was always surrounded by her beloved kittens and family pups, whom she loved dearly. Vin was also a very devout Buddhist and heavily involved in the Lao temple community throughout her entire life.

In addition to her husband and children, Vin is also survived by her siblings, both in the US and in Laos, and countless nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. Her kind and generous personality will be missed by all who knew her as she leaves behind a strong and lasting legacy.

A Buddhist ceremony will be held at Wat Lao Mixayaram, 4300 43rd St. N, Saint Petersburg, Florida 33714, from 5-7pm on Thursday, September 25, 2025, and at 9am on Friday, September 26, 2025. Thereafter, Buddhist services will move to Sorensen Funeral Home, 3180 30th Avenue N., Saint Petersburg, Florida 33713, beginning at noon, with cremation at 3pm. Please join the family back at Wat Lao Mixayaram following cremation.

Final prayers for Vin will occur at Wat Lao Mixayaram on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 9am.