Mai Ge Vue, 58, passed away peacefully on the morning of Saturday, September 30, 2023 at Edenbrook of Appleton. Mai was born on June 5, 1965, in a little village in Laos. As a refugee, she embarked on a courageous journey to the United States, finding a new home and new beginnings. Initially residing with her brother Phia in Green Bay, she later settled in Manitowoc before making Appleton her home in 1997.
Mai was an avid gardener and cultivated a large plot with many vegetables and herbs from the homeland. Hmong cucumber will remain a family favorite because she grew it so often. She also loved growing flowers, anything from sunflowers to morning glories. Sometimes Mai would grow things just to experiment, encouraging us to always try things out and then stick with things that work.
Mai was an amazing cook, normally without any written recipes to reference. She also had a sweet tooth; rice cakes (with honey) were her favorites. When she wasn't cooking, she loved to eat at China Buffet. Mai enjoyed the outdoors, foraging, and fishing, which was a constant source of joy and connection. Mai found God in the mid 1990s and had a strong faith, always participating in church community events. Some of her favorite past times were to watch Hmong dubbed Bollywood and old Chinese martial arts movies, another was to watch WWE along with sewing and stitching Hmong embroidery and clothes.
Mai had a challenging life, growing up during the Vietnam War as an orphan in Laos, later becoming a refugee in Thailand. Getting to the US, having to learn an entirely new way of living was very difficult. Mai always longed to go back to Laos, where life was simpler. As a mother, Mai epitomized strength, love, and protectiveness. Mai successfully raised three children as a single mother and provided an example of what it is to be a hardworking parent. All of these hardships made her a very strong and determined woman. She always made sure her family was taken care of, no matter the situation.
Mai leaves her children: Mai Sheng (Cory) Meyer, Thow (Brittny) Ly, Houa (Sergio) Ly Vue, Den Ly, Christine Ly, Peter Ly, Ching Ly, along with many grandchildren who will miss her dearly. She also leaves behind her brother Phia and his children and grandchildren.
The visitation for Mai will be held on Sunday, October 15, 2023, from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm at the Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior St., Appleton, WI, with a service at Noon. On Monday, October 16, a brief visitation will be held from 10:00 am until Noon at the funeral home, followed by her burial at Twelve Corners Cemetery in Black Creek, WI.
Mai's family would like to thank Edenbrook and Bristol Hospice for the care she received. Special thanks to Emily (nurse), Shaina (nurse), and Judy (Chaplain) for their special care and attention they provided to Mai.