Hom Backham

MADISON - Hom Backham, age 88, passed away on Friday, Dec. 17, 2021. She was born on March 4, 1933, the daughter of La Lo Thi (mother) who was married into the Kounlor family. Hom was born in Sơn La, Vietnam. After the declaration of Vietnam’s independence from France in 1945, she travelled to Laos accompanied by French troops. Once there, her family decided to reside in Xiang Quan. For many years, Hom lived a content life where she was deeply engaged in her role dedicated to the survival of the clan. She married in Xiang Quan to Peng Kouang and they had four children together. Although life was beginning to look bright as their establishment flourished, it wasn’t long until the bombs would reach their settlement. In 1968, Hom escaped Xiang Quan and travelled by foot to Vientiane. Shortly after, she escaped from Laos to Thailand in 1978 because Laos was still in the stages moving toward communism. From Thailand to the United States of America, she landed in Iowa in 1980, and then moved to Wisconsin a few months later. With the help of her children and their spouses, she managed to build the rest of her life in a country foreign to her. Hom never remarried after losing her husband in the war because she focused on the love for her children. Their happiness was her happiness. Soon grandchildren filled the air with laughter and the sort. Not long after that, she became a great-grandmother. As they all grew, so did her love for her family. She was proud to have had the life she had and of how her family prospered in this unforgiving world. Hom is survived by her son, Tim (wife, Phoutsady) Kouang; daughter, Inhkhiene (husband, Khamming) Baccam; daughter, May (husband, Ounla) Thongsavanh; 12 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and many loving relatives. Hom was preceded in death by her parents; four sisters; husband; son, Duc Kouang; grandson, Kevin Baccam; uncle, Sinh Houang Van; and aunt, Hom Houang. Memorials may be made to Hom’s children and their spouses. A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON STOUGHTON FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 1358 Highway 51 N. @ Jackson St., Stoughton, from 1:30 p.m. until 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021. A Graveside Service will be held at FOREST HILL CEMETERY, 1 Speedway Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson Stoughton Funeral & Cremation Care 1358 Highway 51 (608) 873-4590