Somkid Emery's Obituary
Somkid Emery was born on May 15th, 1946 in Khorat, Thailand. She was the youngest of six sisters. Her mother’s name was Lai Somwong and her father was Nate Plienwilai. She would never learn to know her father as he passed away before she was a year of age.
She met and married Steven Emery in Bangkok while working at an incense factory and doing housekeeping for the US Army. They moved to the United States where she would eventually give birth to three beautiful children, Nathan Nawee, Tony Natee, and Elizabeth Somluk Emery. She was a stay-at-home mother until her youngest began elementary school, at which point she began working in food service and continued to do so for almost 30 years when she retired from St. Clare Hospital in Lakewood, Washington.
Many do not know that Somkid was a music lover. As a child she had dreams of being a professional singer. She sang with a group for a short time in Thailand and in the States she performed at several Thai nights singing and performing traditional Thai dances.
In 1996; Somkid and Steven divorced but Somkid had already planted her roots in the United States. She was very loved and adored by Steven’s late-parents, Alfred and Florence Emery whom she affectionately referred to as “Mom” and “Dad”.
In her passing Somkid leaves behind 14 gorgeous grandchildren and one great grandchild; Asha, Thomas J, Maysoon, Mona, Faisal, Danielle, Nawal, Bryan, Cooper, Noah, Olivia, Lily, Jonah, Hazel, and Jassim. And then eight days before her passing; her newest grandson, Hudson Natee Emery was born. She preferred to be called “Yai” or “Ya- Ja”, as traditional Thai grandmothers are referred.
Somkid loved her work in the kitchen at an assisted living center, nursing home and at St. Clare Hospital. She was a very hard worker, always giving everything her 110%. She often invited her children to visit at work for two reasons, 1) she was so proud of them and wanted everyone to know -- and 2) she truly enjoyed her co-workers and was proud of their kitchen. Over the years there were many co-workers who were more than just acquaintances, they became precious lifelong friends. Sharing stories, laughing, and working as a team made work very enjoyable for Somkid up through her retirement.
Along the way Somkid met Michael Horton while both were working at a nursing home in Puyallup. They then both followed each other to work at St. Clare Hospital. Mike and Somkid shared 27 years filled with love, laughter, and true friendship. Mike was her rock. He could connect with her emotionally in ways that no one else could. He was her big sweet teddy bear.
Somkid was well known for her egg rolls and fried rice. Her children have fond memories of her cooking brown eggs & rice, Thai-style fried eggs & rice, beef jerky, sticky rice, pad Thai, pad-see-ew, larb gai and yum neua. When she made these dishes she made them carefully and with so much love you could taste it.
Somkid requested that she would be remembered and honored with a traditional Thai ceremony at a temple. As soon as arrangements are made, friends and family will be invited to join together to celebrate her life and to share stories with each other in her honor.
What’s your fondest memory of Somkid?
What’s a lesson you learned from Somkid?
Share a story where Somkid's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Somkid you’ll never forget.
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