Saath Chhim's Obituary
Saath Sum, age 85, passed away peacefully at her home in Hayward, CA, on Sunday, May 3, 2026, with her loved ones by her side.
Saath was born on May 10, 1940, in Kandal Province, Cambodia to Mr. Sum Chan and Mrs. Soy Lak. Saath married Neil (Nhel) Chhim on November 7, 1956, in Kandal Province, Cambodia. She and her family lived in Laos, prior to the communists taking power in 1975. At the time, her husband Neil (Nhel) was working as a Military Attache to the Cambodian Diplomatic Corp stationed in Laos.
When the war began, the Laotian government was instructed by the Cambodian Communist to return all diplomats and their staff back to their own countries. Fortunately, Saath and her family were able to escape to Thailand, with nothing more than one suitcase for the entire family. From Thailand, they were granted entry into the United States.
Saath lived in San Francisco, Arcata, Fresno, Sacramento, Union City, and Hayward. When the family moved to Arcata, Saath got her very first job in the United States. She worked in the housekeeping department for the Ramada Inn. In Fresno, she became a restauranter, owned and operated the Eagle Café. Many years later she moved to San Francisco and served on the Nagara Dhamma Temple’s Board of Directors. She was a pilar of her Cambodian community, she made countless contributions to her temple and ensured that everyone felt welcome. She was a temple historian and could explain, in detail, what each service meant. Her favorite past times were spending time with her children and grandchildren, going to the Temple, visiting friends, watching Cambodian videos, shopping, and cooking.
Saath is survived by her loving family.
Sister-in-law: Poum Chhim (Rithy Chea)
Cousin: Kimhon Inn (Choeun)
Children: Raymond Chhim (Kimberly), Channon Chhim-Reeves (Paul), Verak Chhim, Channa Chhim, Channorakseila Chhim (Guian) Phalla Pel (Virsna Pech), Dhani Suntonvipart, Voeun Rana (Ajmer), Amara Va (Bunsoeun)
Nieces and Nephews: Ry Chin (Vibol Thong), Borom Chea, Molyka Chea (Aaron Jones), Keo Chea (Ed Chan), Jazmine Inn (Gino Andreozzi)
Grandchildren: Sonny Uk (Katrina), Thida Uk, Andrew Chhim (Vera), Brian Chhim (Sara Vazquez), Cedric Chhim, Cameron Kong, Sydnee Kong, Alysun Chhim, Brianna Chhim, Christopher Pech (Nalis), Nadia Rana (Omar Ramirez), Ieasha Rana (Johnathan Massagli), Aneesa Rana (Teddy Herrera), Sid Rana, Christopher Bun, Kannika Bun, Axel Chan, Paxton Chan, Harrison Jones, Keri Reeves, and Holly Binswanger (Walt)
Great grandchildren: Teo, Kai, Kit, Jake, Jayce, Nya, Nia, Grace, Kari, Lucca Rose, Logan, Lucas, Michael, Julian, Hanna, Amara, and Enzo
Pets: Ari and Poptart
Saath was a loving, caring wife, a devoted mother, adoring grandmother, whose greatest joy was caring for her family. She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Neil (Nhel) Chhim.
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