Obituary: Phitsamay Symuong (Porto Funeral Homes)

Phitsamay "May" Symuong, 71, of New Haven, CT passed away peacefully on August 24, 2026, at Midstate Medical Center in Meriden, CT. Born in Champasak, Laos, she fled to Thailand and lived in a refugee camp for two years before resettling in Bridgeport and New Haven, CT. She enjoyed cooking and watching cooking shows. She held various jobs throughout her life and retired from Medtronic in North Haven, CT in 2021 after more than 20 years of service. Earlier this year in March, she took a second trip to Laos and reunited with all five siblings in her childhood home in Savannakhet, Laos. She is survived by her devoted husband of over 50 years, Chansamone Symuong; her daughter, Anna Chao, her son-in-law Bosco Chao, and her two grandchildren, Chace and Wyatt Chao, of Norwalk, CT. She also leaves behind her dear father, Sith (Keoudone) Southichack in Louisiana; mother, Khammay Southichack in Savannakhet, Laos; sister Vilayvanh Vongsuvanh in Australia; brother, Saya (Mai) Southichack in California; brother Thazane (Francois) Southichack in Champasak, Laos; brother, Mixay (Somvang) Southichack in Pakse, Laos; sister, Lathdavanh Southichack in Savannakhet, Laos; and a wide circle of loving in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles throughout the United States, Laos, Australia, and France. She was predeceased by her son, Anousone Symuong, and first grandchild, Talen Chao.

The funeral service will take place on Friday, August 28, 2026, at 9:00AM at PORTO FUNERAL HOME, 234 Foxon Road (Rte. 80) in East Haven, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), also known as the UN Refugee Agency, a non-profit organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. at give.usaforunhcr.org/180117core_mainpg_d_3000/?amt=120.

Subscribe

Sign May's guest book online at www.portofuneralhomes.net.