Community Remembers Popular General Manager at Elephant Trail Restaurant

Sohors Tek created a sense of family wherever she went.

A native of war-torn Cambodia, Tek and her four siblings moved to the United States some thirty years ago. "We came here to have a future," her brother Soden said.  "To be able to run a business, to open a restaurant, is an American dream."

Tek's smile was the first thing her four children, ages 5, 7, 10 and 12, saw every morning and what put them to bed at night. 

It was also what assisted her family in conquering the many hardships that they faced prior to leaving Cambodia. 

"She was a teenager when we were going to refuge camps," he said. "When there were struggles or challenges, she never gave up hope."

As the eldest of five, she was the example of perseverence to her brothers and sisters.

"She remembered the war better than any of us did," said Soden. "She understood hardship like our parents did."

The customers at The Elephant Trail Restaurant, which she and her brother began, knew her well and established an easy friendship with her. "She touched many lives here," said Soden. She knew her customers' favorite dishes, talked about the births of local babies and even assisted one customer in planning how he would propose to his future bride.

Tek was diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer in July of this year.

Soden described how all of his family flew back to Connecticut to be around his sister when she needed them.

"When we found out in July, it was already pretty advanced and progressed," said another one of Tek's brothers, Sodeth.  "She was committed to keep fighting it," he said. "We just thought this was the next challenge."

Sadly, Tek was unable to surmount this particular challenge and the disease stole her away from her family and friends.  On the same day, Sept. 13, the Elephant Trail staff announced her passing on their Facebook page.

"Our beloved sister and general manager Sohors passed away this afternoon after a valiant and long — but still too short — battle with pancreatic cancer and related ailments."

A hundred comments followed from loyal customers and locals expressing their sadness.

"I am beyond sad and will greatly miss Sohors greatly every time I visit the restaurant - but her warm and welcoming spirit will always linger," said Francine Shanfield.

"She was an amazing women who was sweet, kind, hard working and family meant the world to her," said Kerry Kelley.

Tek leaves behind her husband, Sokunroath, and her four children.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to a college fund established for the benefit of her children. Please make checks payable to Connecticut Higher Education Trust (CHET) and in the memo line, write “Account #4690930, Tan Family.”