In Memory of Lim Douk Kim

Obituary

In Loving Memory

Lim Douk Kim, 66, of New Hartford, NY passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at the Wynn Hospital.

Born in Takeo Province, Cambodia to Kim Khear and Noun Nat, she received her early education in Phnom Penh. She came to America in the late 1970's as a refugee from Cambodia due to political turmoil during the Khmer Rouge. Lim traveled many miles on foot during a volatile time in Cambodia, to refuge at the Thai border, reuniting with family at a camp for refugees. With unwavering courage, she fled her homeland, for a brighter future in America. This journey made it so her children would never have to live in a world where their safety was uncertain.

Lim was a woman of many interests and talents. Her greatest passion was cooking. Food was her way to show her love to everyone. Lim was a proponent of the idea of "build a bigger table, not a bigger fence," always making room at the table for everyone and anyone. She was a proud entrepeneur in multiple restaurant ventures, but did a "little bit of everything," as her kids would joke.

Landing in the United States with nothing but hope and determination, Lim built a life filled with flavor and love. She found her passion in the kitchen, sharing the rich culinary traditions of her heritage through her beloved restaurant, Apsara. With every dish, she wove a tapestry of warmth, hospitality, and cultural connection, nourishing not just bodies but also hearts. She is fondly remembered by her patrons sporting an apron, Batman printed pants and baseball cap in the kitchen, whipping up her vast array of tasty food. Her kids, also doubling as her wait staff, would marvel at the heaping amounts of food on the plates. Customers would happily ask for to go boxes, opting to save their dinner leftovers for lunch the following day, to which Lim would see and reply "Oh, they need a takeout container? That means they didn't like my food!"

Lim will be remembered for her strength in the face of adversity, her zest for life, and her unwavering love for her family and community. She leaves behind a legacy of resilience, compassion, and love. Her favorite movie was Gone with The Wind, because she identified with the main character Scarlett O'Hara’s journey.

Beyond the restaurant walls, her greatest joy was her family. Lim was the beloved wife of Phoroth Kim, who survives her. She was a devoted mother to her children: Jay Kim, Khuneary (Steven) Sand, Karl (Rany) Kim, David (Leka) Douk, and Daly Douk (Anusone) Phantirath, and step-mother to Nareak (Sophie) Douk. She was a doting grandmother to her treasured grandchildren: Nolan and Peyton Sand, Melody and Kenny Kim, Declan and Kelly Douk, Jaxson Phantirath, Kylana Cho, Dawnavhen Piyadeth, Tina (Josh) Rivard, and Eric Douk, as well as her great-grandson Brayden Rivard.

She is predeceased by her dear parents, Kim Khear and Noun Nat, of Cambodia, her loving husband Chhiet Douk, and her toddler son Ly, who sadly passed away at a young age from a food and medicine shortage during their journey from Cambodia to the Thailand camps. She also leaves behind many cousins, nieces and nephews, as well as friends and former patrons. Her home and her restaurants were a haven of laughter, warmth, and delicious meals, where everyone felt welcomed and embraced.

The family wishes to thank the amazing staff at The Wynn Hospital who took care of Lim during her time there. They would like to especially thank the ICU team on 3 West, the Stroke Care Team, Dr. Reddy, Dr. Brehaut, Dr. Khazaal, Lori Fiorentino FNP, and Nicole Cocomazzi, social worker. They would also like to thank the New Hartford Police and Fire Departments as well as the first responders.

The family will be holding a private Buddhist service and visit to the Local Buddhist Temple. Arrangements are in the care of Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, New Hartford.

For online expressions of sympathy go to fwefh.com.