Honoring Choun's Legacy of Nourishment and Care

Chounphit Hatsady, age 60, of Wheaton, IL, passed away on September 23rd, 2024. Chounphit, affectionately known as “Choun,” is survived by her husband, Lee Jackels; daughter, Victoria (Michael) Liszka; grandson, Tyler Liszka; mother, Somsamai Tothongkham, and the late Vichian Tothongkham; siblings, Sansai (Kanokwan) Tothongkham, Netdara (Abe) Luangraj, Nitthaya Nishijima, and Netnapha (Rob) Thelen. Choun was an admired chef around Wheaton. She nourished the community for nearly 30 years with various restaurants and was a beloved vendor at the Wheaton French Market. Her career as a restaurateur culminated with the opening of Choun’s Restaurant in 2016. She brought smiles to those around her with her cooking and vibrant personality. No one ever left a Choun-hosted event hungry or empty-handed. Acts of kindness she continually and quietly did for many; the Thai community and Temple, her numerous friends, the Wheaton community, and for anyone who just needed a comforting meal.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Wat Buddha Damma in Willowbrook, IL can be made.