Soth May

Soth May, age 82, passed away peacefully at 2:42pm on January 8, 2026, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Born on December 15th 1943 in Battambang, Cambodia, Soth May lived a life defined by resilience, faith, and unwavering love for her family. She was a survivor of the Khmer Rouge, enduring unimaginable hardship with strength and courage that shaped generations after her.
A true hustler at heart, Soth May worked tirelessly throughout her life. She farmed, sold fresh, homemade food, and took on countless jobs to provide for her family. First in Cambodia and later in the United States, where she rebuilt her life with very limited resources. Once in the U.S., her love for the land never faded; she found great peace being in her garden, where she took pride in growing the traditional Cambodian vegetables and herbs she had once farmed in her homeland. No matter the circumstances, she always found a way to care for those she loved.
She found her greatest happiness in the company of her family, the peace of the temple, and the warmth of her kitchen. Her home was a place of love, laughter, and nourishment for both the body and the soul. No matter the circumstances, she always found a way to care for those she loved. Her deep Buddhist faith guided her steps and brought her peace until the very end.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Kom Sim.
Soth May is survived by her loving daughters and their partners: Thy Sim and Mike Roy, Sem Sim and Soeun Sen, and Som and Kalong Inn. She was the proud matriarch to 11 grandchildren (along with 7 great-grandchildren): Sarina and Chauncey Vat (Aria), Saravuth and Sarinna Sim (Tai and Ryu), Tina and Roeun Man (Kayden, Kaylee, Kylie), Malone and Auderien Soeun, Billy Inn (Draven), Tommy Soeun, Lisa Sim, Anita Inn, Ramona Sim, Kai Sim, and Kalvin Inn, all of whom she helped raise and were her greatest pride and joy. With her nurturing nature, Soth was always there to help raise and babysit every one of her 18 grandchildren and great-grandkids. Soth is also survived by her two younger siblings in Cambodia, along with many extended family members and loved ones who will forever carry her memory in their hearts.
Soth May will be remembered for her strength, generosity, deep faith, and the powerful legacy of survival and love she leaves behind. Her spirit lives on through her family and the lives she touched.
Viewing and Ceremony Sunday, January 11 Time ~ 4:00pm - 7:00pm The Glory Buddhist Temple 24 Cambridge Street, Lowell, MA 01851
Funeral Ceremony Monday, January 12 Time ~ Begins at 8:00am The Glory Buddhist Temple 24 Cambridge Street, Lowell, MA 01851 Followed by a funeral procession to Merrimack Cremation Service 10 Henry Clay Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054
Flowers and gifts may be sent to family or Glory Buddhist Temple.