Nikky Jaynes

On May 12, 1945 a family of Vietnamese refugees, who had fled to Thailand, welcomed a new daughter to their family, Lan. Nikky would begin her life's journey as Lan Nguyen-Vu. Her childhood life would begin in a Thailand UN refugee camp. Later, when Nikky had moved to Bangkok, the family would receive Thai citizenships and all were required to adopt Thai names. Nikky now became Nijaporn Suriwong. Over the next two decades, Nikky welcomed into the world her son and daughter. During this time, she would live for periods of time in Belgium, Taiwan, and Singapore, learning to speak fluent English along way and now adopting her Nikky first name. In 1991, she met Howell and joined him at his work location in the Australian outback. In 1992, Howell, with Nikky, returned to the US and the two were married in Torrance, California. Later upon becoming an US citizen she became Nikky Jaynes. As a US citizen, Nikky obtained green cards for several family members. Green cards saw her daughter and grandson coming to live with Nikky and her husband. Nikky was an energetic outgoing person, she was active in her Thai-Buddhist Wat (temple) andof her passion for the last several years was Zumba dance exercise classes and enjoying the many friends she made at the Zumba sessions. She passed away peacefully at Torrance Memorial Hospital after a brief bout with liver cancer. She is survived by her son, Nithad SaArdsri of Bangkok, daughter Monthira Soonthorsarathool of Torrance Ca, grandson Vithavas Khatawong of Torrance, Ca, and granddaughter Sarita SaArdsri North Hollywood, Ca., sisters Wana and Pornpan Suriwong, and brother Tia Suriwong, all of Thap Sakai, Thailand.