Lavy Lothi-Phannavinh

Lavy Lothi-Phannavinh, aged 67, of Cedar Rapids, IA, passed away on April 13, 2024, surrounded by the love and comfort of her children and grandchildren. Service will be held at 4 p.m., Saturday, April 20, 2024 at Teahen Funeral Home, Cedar Rapids.

She was born on January 5, 1957, in Savannakhet Laos to Ne Lothi and Ine Lovanh, the third of eleven children, and was the first of her siblings to be born in Laos. She is survived by her three daughters Phetlavanh Lo (Michael Newell) of New Brighton, MN; Phetlavy (Saint) Baccam of Waukee, IA; Amy (Thone) Houang of Cedar Rapids, IA; five grandchildren Torhi, Collin, Lena, Lucia, and Lukas; and 10 siblings, as well as her mother. She is preceded in death by her husband Houmpheng Phannavinh and her father, Ine Lovanh.

Lavy fled war-torn Laos in 1980 with her two young children, Phetlavanh and Phetlavy, and settled in Cedar Rapids, IA in 1981. After being reunited with her husband, Houmpheng, she later moved to Newton, IA in 1984 where Amy was born. While in Newton, Lavy established life-long friendships and found a supportive community, including at the First Baptist Church. She worked for many years at Park Centre where she was loved by coworkers and residents alike. After the loss of her husband in 2000, Lavy eventually resettled in Cedar Rapids to be closer to her family and her beloved Taidam and Lao community.

During the last few years of her life, Lavy struggled with multiple health issues stemming from Systemic Lupus. Despite her illness, Lavy continued to be resilient, selfless and focused on the happiness and comfort of others. Lavy’s daughters are grateful for the sacrifices she made so that they could have better lives and have the opportunity to live the American dream. Her legacy is her children and grandchildren and the contributions they have and will continue to make to their communities.

Online condolences can be left at www.teahenfuneralhome.com.