Obituary of Sio Yinh Koua

January 15, 1935 – December 16, 2025

Sio Yinh passed away peacefully with her family by her side at 21:59 on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at WRHN – Midtown, Kitchener, Ontario.

She is survived by her children – Sou Chiane Yang (Tim Xiene Chang), Cheun Huy Yang (Thongsy Yang), Cheun Hao Yang (Silvia Yang), Cheun Ing Yang, Sou Yae Yang (Stefan Bendevis), Souching Yang (Houy Lieng), Sou Ling Yang (Tim Tran), and Sou May Yang (Pei-Yuan Chen); her grandchildren – Yaochong (Yuki), Tony (Justine), Jesse, Amanda, Lisa, Emily, Brandon, Anita, Sophia, Alex, Vanessa, Andy, and Aliya.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Seu Chinh Yang, now together forever.

Sio Yinh was born on January 15th, 1935. She spent her early years moving between Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam until she settled in Laos at the age of 16. She reconnected with a neighbour from her childhood, Seu Chinh, who lived down the street from her in Cambodia. They were engaged when Sio Yinh was 18, married at 19, and built a loving family together. She immigrated to Canada in 1989 where she lived with her firstborn, Sou Chiane Yang, and her family (Tim, Tony, Amanda). She was surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and friends, and lived a full and vibrant life. Sio Yinh will be remembered forevermore by her family for her playfulness, her beautiful smile, and her values of unconditional love:

“When I am gone, remember to love above all.”

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the doctors and nurses at WRHN - Midtown for their hard work, generosity, and thoughtfulness during the most difficult of times. Thank you as well to Dr. Julia Wilhelm and the kind staff at Waterloo West Medical Center for their compassion throughout Sio Yinh’s life.

Visitation will take place at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S, Waterloo, on Sunday, December 21st, 2025. Doors will open at 8:00am for a traditional Buddhist ceremony** for those who wish to participate. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to join the ceremony. Following the ceremony, general visitation for all will begin at 9:15am until 10:30am. Interment at Parkview Cemetery. Celebration of life will take place at RIM Park, 2001 University Ave E., Waterloo, in Program Room 207/208 from 12:30pm to 4:00pm. Food and drinks will be provided.

Condolences for the family or donations for Sio Yinh Koua’s memorials may be arranged through the funeral home at 519-745-8445 or at www.erbgood.com.

**The traditional ceremony will take approximately one hour. Monks will aid in guiding her toward peace and rebirth, and the transfer of merit (good karma). For yaat nam, or water libation, cups and water will be provided for those who wish to participate. The pouring of water symbolizes the accumulation of merit back to nature.