Obituary
Dearly beloved, we have gathered here today. To get through this thing called life. Electric word life, it means forever and that’s a mighty long time. But I’m here to tell you, there’s something else.
On Thursday, October 19, 2023, our mother, Wasu passed on to a world of never ending happiness. She can always see the sun, day or night.
Su was born in the jungles of southern Thailand in Pattani. She grew up along a river and had friends such as gibbon monkeys, otters, and more. Growing up she spoke Thai, Yawi, and some Chinese. She earned her bachelor’s degree and went to work for the Thai government. At 28, she immigrated to the USA with Los Angeles, CA as her first destination. In the few years of living in LA, she attended English school in San Francisco, was a part of the fashion industry, and eventually lived in Beverly Hills to help her sister run her Thai restaurant.
In 1989 she made her big move to Daytona Beach, FL. There, in South Daytona, is where she opened up the first Thai restaurant in Volusia County in May of 1991. Songkran was her life, passion, and home away from home for 32 years. Over those three decades, she won many awards for her culinary skills. She was also a big part of the Ormond Beach, New Symrna, and Deland markets and festivals. As a chef, she brought rich Thai culture to Central Florida, touched many hearts, made stomachs full, and put love into every dish she made.
Su was a pias Buddhist and shared it with her children and friends at the Wat Florida Dhammaram, in Kissimmee, FL. She enjoyed going to concerts, some of her favorites being Elton John, Queen, Paul McCartney, and Prince. She loved to shop at Dillard’s and she loved a good deal. She was always up for adventure, whether it be around Florida to explore fruit farms or visiting Thailand to see friends for only a few days at a time. Although her life may have been short, she lived it fully and abundantly.
She leaves behind her two children Alex and Tommy, family in Thailand, and six fur babies, Cake, Prudence, Tesla, Princess, Lima, and Phantom. She is predeceased by her mother, Plernpis Moonsaeng, her father, Wichan Srivilai, and her best friend and sister Tu. May we not forget she is also reunited with her favorite dogs Mac, Pinky, and Jammer, and our cats Mama, Catty, Lucky, Lil Guy, Lil Juy and Punchi.
January 27, 2024, is her 100th day since passing on. Wherever she may be, we know it’s somewhere beautiful. We are so grateful to have crossed paths with you all in our mother’s life. On to the next cycle and adventure
Wasu Schouten, Wasu Srivilai – วะสุ ศรีวิลัย
August 13, 1958 – October 19, 2023
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