Nou Lee

Nou Hang Lee, at age 66, of St. Paul, Minnesota passed away on April 16, 2019.

She was born on August 10, 1952 in Xiengkhouang, Laos.  The eldest of nine children to parents Song Koua Hang and Yeu Yang.

In 1972 she married Vang Neng Lee, who fought in the "Secret War", which ended in 1975 and prompted them to flee to Thailand.  Unfortunately, Nou lost two children prior to 1976 when they were granted parole status for entry into the United States.  The Lee's made their journey 8,500 miles away to Oklahoma.  In a span of 2 years, they moved to Iowa before settling in St. Paul, Minnesota, where she called her home for nearly 40 years.

Nou worked as a seamstress for 26 years before retiring in 2004.  With a strong work ethic, she continued to work after retirement at her family’s restaurants in St. Paul and Michigan.  Nou often enjoyed traveling to Michigan and Laos during Minnesota’s cold winter months where she spent time with friends and relatives.  In her spare time, she enjoyed listening to folktales, watching Thai movies, and the company of her friends and family.  In Nou’s earlier years, she enjoyed singing folksongs and loved cooking.  She opened her home to all, sharing amazing home cooked dishes with guests, frequently.

She is survived by four daughters, Bao Lee, Charlie Yang, Julie Lee, and Tracy Lee; two sons, Jerry Lee and Tom Lee; one daughter-in-law, Amanda Lee; two son-in-laws, Francois Yang and Jerry Thao; and 14 grandchildren, Ace Vang, Luke Vang, Bishop Vang, Dominick Lee, Keithan Thao, Taylor Thao, Donovan Lee, Kayla Thao, Hayden Vang, Logan Vang, Honora Thao, Darius Lee, Allie Lee, and Abbie Lee.  She is also survived by her father and step-mother Song Koua Hang; four sisters, Pa Vue, Francoise Hang-Yang, Mao Yang, and Phoua Yang; four brothers, Nou Pao Hang, Xai Hang, Chang Hang, Tong Fa Hang,

Preceding in her death, her husband, Vang Neng (Lee; daughter, Ka Lee; son, Lue Lee; granddaughter, Emmanuelle Yang, her mother, Yeu Yang and sister, Bee Hang.

We will forever miss Nou’s beautiful, welcoming smile and generosity for persons of all walks in life.