Boridha “Mel” Tim was born on July 17, 1957 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and passed away on May 19, 2021 in her hometown of Lowell.. She emigrated as a refugee to the United States in 1983. In America, she shared homes and food and laughter with family -- from Salinas, California to Denver, Colorado to Lowell, Massachusetts where she lived for the past 25+ years.
Boridha was loved deeply by her family -- by those who are no longer with us and by her sisters, cousins, nieces, and nephews who remain. Her father--Som Tim, mother--Neth Sambo, brothers--Som Norenn, Som Nareoun, Som Noreth, and Som Phourin celebrate Mel in other realms and lives.
Having overcome many obstacles that life presented her with, Boridha remained full of joy, light, and laughter. “She just loved life--her friends, her family, dancing, and singing,” remembers her niece Borynette. “Every season, I would gift her new clothes, and Ming Mel would ask for a specific color each year -- all blues this year; I have too much red.” She always wanted to look her best even if there was no real occasion. She’d perfectly powder her face and line her lips. Her sisters - Makara and Kanika - remember her as beautiful, sassy, smart, and a fantastic cook. They look forward to Mel entering another lifetime where her life is filled with ease and endless joy.
She was loved by the community in Lowell where she had a tight knit circle of friends. She was described as kind and generous, always sharing what she had with others -- however small or great the offering. During peak mango season, she’d buy cases of mangoes each week, sharing them with neighbors before enjoying them herself.
Boridha loved the holidays, and she loved spending this time with family. She would proudly boast about the accomplishments of her nieces and nephews and their children who will always remember Boridha as Yey, grandma. Framed photos of family members lined her every surface in her apartment. She enjoyed sweets -- Hershey bars and soda and especially, sparkling apple cider. She loved Khmer food -- Somlaw Machu, Keiv Teav Phnom Penh, and Papaya Salad.
In her wallet, she kept photos of her family--her late brother Phourin, nephew Khamara, and niece Kanitha. While she never wedded or had her own children, she was a mother and grandmother to her siblings’ children and grandchildren. She was an auntie to those who knew her. She was a friendly smile to all around her, and a giver of life and laughter.
A service will be held at the Cambodian temple in Lowell (118 Powell St.) on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at 11 a.m. You may call 978-221-6486 for additional details.
In lieu of flowers, our family will be donating all contributions in Boridha’s memory to her extended family in Cambodia who are experiencing the devastating effects of the coronavirus. Please Venmo @kanitha-heng or email [email protected] for a mailing address.