Sawatdy Sina Vilichay

Sawatdy Sina Vilichay, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and treasured member of her community, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2024, at the age of 68, surrounded by the family she cherished and protected. Her passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of all who knew her.

Born in Kampong Cham Province, Cambodia, Sawatdy’s life was marked by resilience, love, and deep commitment to her family. When she was young, her mother unexpectedly passed away, and Sawatdy was lovingly raised by her maternal grandparents. Their care and wisdom shaped her into the strong, compassionate woman she would become. Despite the challenges of her early life, Sawatdy carried with her an inner strength and determination that guided her through every obstacle.

The Khmer Rouge regime deeply impacted Sawatdy’s life, forcing her to endure unimaginable hardships. Yet, she found the strength to escape and bring her children to the United States in search of a better, safer life. There, she rebuilt from the ground up, raising six children with dedication and a tireless work ethic. Each sacrifice she made was fueled by her deep love for her family and her desire to create a better future for her children, grandchildren, and future generations.

Though her greatest love was for her children, she also cherished her homeland, Cambodia, tirelessly supporting it by sponsoring temples, homes, and water wells. Her kindness and generosity defined her life and legacy.

Her presence was a constant source of strength and joy to all who knew her. Sawatdy’s life was about living with purpose, love, and devotion. Her legacy will live on through her children, grandchildren, husband, and the many people whose lives she touched.

Several people have asked how they can help in her memory. Sawatdy would be deeply touched if you chose to honor her by making a donation in her name to a charity of your choice or to one of the following organizations which were close to her heart:

• Children’s Leukemia Foundation: https://childrensleukemia.org/

• Cambodian Children’s Fund: https://www.cambodianchildrensfund.org/

• CARE International (Cambodia): https://www.care-international.org/our-work/where-we-work/cambodia

A traditional Cambodian Buddhist service to honor her life will be held at the Cambodian Buddhist Temple of Georgia, located at 6533 Rock Springs Rd, Stonecrest, GA 30038, at 10:00 AM on December 28, 2024. Later that day, a memorial service will be held at Wages and Sons at 1040 Main St, Stone Mountain, GA 30083, at 2:30 PM.

Sawatdy’s strength, love, and devotion will continue to guide us. We are forever grateful for the life she shared with us, a life that truly exemplified living in the present with wisdom and love.