Sotheary Sem

Mr. Sem Ath, the father, together with the children and grandchildren including Mr. Brandon Aron Sem and his wife Mei Long, Ryan Sem, Nathan Sem, Ava Sem, Avontae Sem, Amir Sem, and Asia Sem, along with all relatives and family members, deeply mourn the passing of our beloved mother, Ms. Sotheary Sem who passed away on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 1:00 AM at her residence, due to illness, at the age of 42 years.

Born on June 4, 1983, in Wichita, KS, to Sem Ath and Saing Tim. Sotheary later moved with her family to Providence, RI where she attended Central High School and where she continued building her life surrounded by family. Family was always important to her, and wherever she lived, she carried that sense of togetherness with her.

Sotheary was a full-time mother who dedicated her life to raising and caring for her children. Even while raising a large family, she dreamed of becoming a school nurse one day, because helping people was simply part of who she was.

She enjoyed staying connected with her Buddhist traditions and temple community, especially when it came to honoring family, culture, and the values that had been passed down to her. Being a very caring and supportive person, Sotheary was always the first person to step up when someone needed help. She had a bright personality and an incredible sense of humor. Her laugh was contagious, and whenever she laughed, everyone around her laughed too. Some would say she was the funniest person in her family.

She loved the simple moments in life. One of the things she enjoyed most was baking desserts – cookies, brownies, and anything sweet that she could share with someone she loved. She loved to go fishing with family, spending the time together and enjoying those peaceful moments.

Sotheary will also be remembered as a woman who knew how to bring people together. She loved to dance and sing, and whenever music started to play, she would grab her friends and family by the hand and pull them onto the dance floor. Sotheary always made sure no one was left out. She wanted to be sure everyone was having a great time by making every moment more joyful.

Sotheary leaves behind seven children who loved her deeply and who are experiencing deep sadness following the loss of their mother. Buddhism reminds its devotees that life is impermanent. Sotheary's children understand their mother's physical presence is no longer with them. They also understand, however, that the love, kindness and laughter she gave to each of them will always remain in their hearts.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather at Watt Buddhist Center, 252 Public Street, Providence, on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 5:30 PM to pay respects. The ceremony will include homage to the Triple Gem, undertaking the precepts, chanting of protective suttas (Paritta), and the Bangsakul (memorial chanting) to dedicate merit to Ms. Sotheary Sem. There will also be a Dhamma talk, and the sharing of loving-kindness (Metta).

On Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 9:30 AM - Family members, relatives, friends and Buddhist devotees will gather at the Watt Buddhist Center, 252 Public Street, Providence. The ceremony will include paying homage to the Triple Gem, undertaking the Five Precepts, offering alms to the monks, and dedicating the merit to the late Ms. Sotheary Sem.

On Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 1:00 PM - Family members, relatives, friends and Buddhist devotees will gather at Carpenter-Jenks Funeral Home, 659 East Greenwich Avenue, West Warwick, RI, to pay final respects to Ms. Sotheary Sem. The program will include paying homage to the Triple Gem, reading the biography, the children and family asking for forgiveness, offering the Bangsakul (merit transfer) ceremony, placing flowers in tribute to the deceased, and then proceeding with the cremation according to traditional customs to conclude the funeral rites.