Lyme, NH – Paphanh Sithavady, 76, died Wednesday March 5, 2025 at the Jack Bryne Center for Palliative and Hospice Care following a brief illness.

She was born in Vientiane, Laos where she grew up, was married and began her family. She left Laos, with her husband and three young children, to escape political persecution in 1980. With the help of sponsors from the Lyme church, the family moved to Lyme, where she has lived since. Once the family settled in and learned English, Paphanh began working at Pierce Jewelers and later in housekeeping at Dartmouth College where she worked for many years until retiring.

Paphanh is well known for her selflessness, her love of Lyme and commitment to her community, being active with the Lyme Congregational Church, Community Care of Lyme, and other community organizations. A 2017 recipient  of Lyme Citizen of the Year, Paphanh also raised funds to build a school in her hometown in Laos. She has been recognized for her selflessness, love of Lyme, and commitment to the community.

She is survived by her husband Khanty Sengpanya of Lyme; children Sinp Sithavady of East Thetford, VT Phon Miner of Chula Vista, CA, and Khanthana Sithavady of Windham, ME; and grandchildren Mary Sithavady and Abby Miner.

A visitation will be held Friday March 14th from 3-5PM at the Knight Funeral Home in White River Jct..  A traditional Theravada Buddhist ceremony will be celebrated at the funeral home Saturday March 15th at 1:30PM. A celebration of life will be held at the Lyme Congregational Church in May, details to be announced.