Lan Ngoc Kouba passed away peacefully September 23, 2021, due to complications from a stroke. She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Norman, sons Dan and Charlie and spouse Jenny, grandsons Austin and Bailey, Natalie, Dallas, and great grandson Kasen Michael. Also surviving are sisters Thoa Nguyen and Lien Nguyen (Be), brother-in-law Hoang Luu, brother Viet Nguyen and sister in law Hien Nguyen and brother Tien Nguyen and sister in law Hanh Nguyen with all nieces: Nancy, Helen and Holly and nephews Huy, Hoang, Anthony Tom and Bobby.
Lan was born in Hue, Vietnam, and attended school in Saigon. She met Norman while on holiday in the beach resort of Vung Tau; Norm was in the Navy working with the Lorac Support Team manning a transmitter station for coastal navigation. Norm returned to Vietnam after his enlistment ended, and married Lan in Saigon.
After spending the next few years following Norm around the oil fields of Southeast Asia, the family moved to Boise. Lan worked as an interpreter for local law enforcement and started a Vietnamese sandwich catering business. Eventually the family moved to Eagle where she immersed herself in cooking for friends and extended family both at home and while attending car and motorcycle races throughout Idaho and the West. Happiest in her kitchen, Lan often said her favorite part of living in the country was getting up early and feeding the flocks of quail with day-old food she had gathered from local grocery stores. Her food, infectious laugh, shrewd negotiating skills, and her joy of playing (and often winning) card games and storytelling will be greatly missed.
She will be deeply missed by her family, friends and all who had the pleasure of knowing and sharing a meal with her.
There will be a Celebration of Life held on October 23 rd from 11am to 2pm at Louie’s Pizza and Italian Restaurant at 2500 E. Fairview Ave in Meridian. Lunch will be served along with pictures of many of Lan’s most memorable moments. Everyone is welcome to attend.