‘Each of us has our own story’: She escaped Laos at 14. Today, she helps others feel at home
SHREWSBURY – Every day, Vieng Maligna-Majercik greets the residents of Benchmark Senior Living at Shrewsbury Crossings with warmth and compassion. And until recently, few would have ever guessed that behind her infectious smile is a story of extraordinary courage dating back more than 40 years ago.
For the first time in her nearly three years with the community, Maligna-Majercik shared the details of her incredible journey during a special presentation.
“Each of us has our own story – some of them easy, some of them rough,” she said. “But every story helps us to connect with each other.”
It was 1984, and Maligna-Majercik was 14 years old when her family decided it was time to flee communist Laos. As life under the new regime became increasingly dangerous, her father came under suspicion of spying for the United States. Knowing it was no longer safe to stay, the family made plans to escape.
Using the chaos of the Lao New Year celebrations as cover, 21 family members slipped away under the cover of darkness and crossed the Mekong River into Thailand. Her mother sewed the family’s money into Maligna-Majercik’s clothing, and her father tied an empty two-gallon bottle to her wrist to help her stay afloat.
Her father delivered a thoughtful message during the escape: “Whatever happens, don’t look back. Just keep going,” he told his daughter. “Be strong and remember that dad, mom, and grandmother love you and want the best for you.”
Although the family became separated during the crossing, all 21 eventually reunited in Thailand. But their journey was far from over. They were arrested multiple times, held at gunpoint, and forced to pay bribes before finally reaching Napho Refugee Camp, where they lived for 10 months while waiting for the opportunity to immigrate to the United States.
During the family’s final immigration interview, Maligna-Majercik was the only one questioned. She still remembers being asked one final question: If the United States went to war, would she fight for her new country?
“Yes,” she answered without hesitation.
The family was approved for resettlement and spent six months in a refugee camp in the Philippines learning English before arriving in Connecticut to live with her uncle.
“We came in December, and it was so cold,” she laughed. “I remember thinking how everything is so big here – the buildings, the cars – and I saw a colored TV for the first time.”
Maligna-Majercik attended school in Connecticut and devoted herself to caring for her father until he passed away from lung cancer in 1994 at the age of 49. She later cared for her beloved grandmother until her passing at age 95, experiences that would quietly shape the path her life would take.
Though she had spent many years in the food business, Maligna-Majercik knew her true calling was in care. She obtained her license as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and was invited to check out Shrewsbury Crossings.
“I walked in the door, and I knew this was home for me,” she said. “I see my father and my grandmother in these residents, and it brings me so much happiness. So much joy.”
Shrewsbury Crossings executive director Cheryl Zalieckas said Maligna-Majercik, who now serves as programming coordinator in the community’s Mind & Memory Care neighborhood for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia, is a treasured member of the team.
“If you have spent even five minutes with Vieng, you already know what a gem of a human being she is,” Zalieckas said. “She pours into our residents, families, and associates each day with compassion, energy, and heart.”
Now living in Oxford with her husband, Maligna-Majercik says she remains grateful for the opportunities her family found in America. While her journey began with uncertainty, it is one she hopes reminds others of the strength of the human spirit, and the power of kindness, resilience, and hope.
“Appreciate what you have and don’t take life for granted,” she said. “You just never know what tomorrow will bring.”
