Youa Yang Kue (81) sadly passed on June 5, 2020 due to complications of COVID-19 after a 6 week long battle. Born to Shoua Lao Yang and Vab Vang in Nong Xiang, Laos, Youa was the only offspring of her parents but had several half siblings. At the tender age of 15, she entered into an arranged marriage, as was customary for the Hmong culture at that time, thus began the next chapter of her life.
Her perseverance was her greatest strength. With 2 young children strapped to her back and holding the hand of her oldest son, Youa trekked along the Mekong River to seek refuge from the Secret War prior to making the long journey to America 8,000 miles from home. With no knowledge of the language or culture, her determination drove her to overcome adversity and work endlessly to achieve the American dream. She proudly bought a home in 1990 where it became the foundation for countless family memories. These are the same morals and values she instilled in her children. Her family was her life and she was the backbone as well as the heart and soul of her family.
Youa had the uncanny ability to be resourceful. She spoke of her time in the relocation camps and how she used her ingenuity to buy and sell local fares at a profit. In the States, she started in the jewelry industry as a factory worker and retired as a supervisor showing her drive. Once in retirement, Youa used her love of gardening to grow vegetables every summer turning a small profit by selling any excess. Her offering of fresh vegetables will be missed. Youa enjoyed deep tissue massages, maintaining a good skin care routine and took pride in her appearance by visiting the hair salon regularly to get a perm, despite her peculiar fear of curly objects.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Chue, exactly 6 weeks prior. Our family takes comfort in knowing they are together. She leaves behind her four sons, Tou (Chong Nou) Kue and wife Lee of Cranston RI, Xang (Ntxhws) Kue and wife Bea of Fresno, CA, Houa (Nom Ntxhuav) Kue and wife Mai Ker of Providence, RI, Gerry Kue and wife Pagnia of Cumberland, RI as well as her two daughters Yeu Kue and husband Piseth Khun of Smithfield, RI and Mary Kue and partner Stephen Arruda of Riverside, RI; 13 grandchildren, Chai, Nha, Bee, Pangzong, Kengsu, Ronan, Yeng Houa, Chia Shi, Yeng Kong, Yeng Kou, Yeng Keng Kue and Alex and Wyatt Khun. She also leaves behind many half siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews and all those across the world who viewed her as a mother. Youa's greatest gift truly was her selflessness. Everyone who was graced by her presence always left with full bellies, full hands but most of all, full hearts.
Services will be held on June 20, 2020 at Keefe Funeral Home in Lincoln, RI from 9AM - 12PM and will abide by social gathering rules. Procession to follow directly after to Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Providence, RI. The Kue family fully understands that there are many who wish to pay their respects but understand that safety remains our primary concern for all. The service will be live streamed via Keefe Funeral website and at a later date, all will be invited to a celebration of life for Youa. As consistent with our Hmong culture, all Sunshine gifts can be addressed to the Kue Family, 46 Mountain Ave, Riverside, RI 02915.