"Maggie" Hung Le Nguyen

“Maggie” Hung Le Nguyen of West Hills, California, passed away on Saturday, September 2, at the age of 87. She was born on November 16, 1935, in Chau Doc, South Vietnam, where she grew up with her Parents and 10 Siblings until the age of 14 when she moved to the Capital of Saigon to do her study.

She graduated with a Baccelaureate and attended 2 years at the University of Law.

She is survived by her Spouse Thoi Van Nguyen, Daughter Stephanie Thanh Nguyen, Son-in-Law Steven Vu Chau, and Grandchildren Justin Uy Vu Chau and Patrick Quyen Vu Chau.

The family would like to thank our Families, Friends, and her Caregivers, for the care and compassion they showed our loved one in their final days.

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My Mom was fun and lively. She was very kind, giving, and would give it her all whenever someone was in need. Growing up, it was normal to see Mom taking in Guests needing a temporary place to live or helping a fellow Vietnamese settling his or her life in the US. Our Family was brought here by the US Embassy in 1975; we were among the first wave of Vietnamese seeking refuge in the US. From the bottom of her heart, whatever she does, she would make it happen to her best ability. It was her true intention that Mom was loved and trusted by many people and how she quickly accumulated her circle of friends.

Weekend gathering was usual at the house. Being the first few home owners, Mom would open her doors to welcome her friends and acquaintances. She offered a safe place to her fellow refugees to seek support and comfort. From the time she gets up, the phone calls begin, as her voice echoed throughout the house. Soon, people started arriving and then the cooking began. As the aroma of food filled up the house, the group gathered on the floor to share the good food, accompanied by the playing of instruments, singing, and exchanging stories. It didn’t matter if we drove in a second-hand car, or lived in a two-bedroom home, or Mom and Dad worked hard to make ends meet, we had food on the table, a roof over our heads, our friends, and most importantly, our Family. This was the environment I grew up in and life was fulfilling!

Those of you who knew my Mom would have stories to share about her act of kindness, her truthfulness, and her enthusiasm, but you may not know, Mom was a Romantic! She loved French romance movies, Alain Delon and Brigitte Bardo were among her favorite Actors, as I recall us going to the theatre almost every weekend in Vietnam. Yes, she was fluent in French. It happens every time, she sat through a movie and cried her eyes out. You see, besides the good storyline and good acting, Mom cried because she missed Dad who was far away servicing in the military; Dad taught law in the military academy. In those years of his service, it was her hope for them to reunite again that kept her going. It was until we came to the US, and no matter how hard it was starting our lives over again, my Mom had Dad besides her and our Family was together. Reminiscing back, if I had to paint a picture, it would be of Mom and Dad sitting together in a breezy afternoon in the backyard, sharing stories and recalling poems as they reflect on life. They would recite the lines or stanzas together, and most of the time, Mom would help Dad complete them. Mom had incredible memory, which contradicts her suffering of Alzheimer in her later years. Not until I was older that I understood that Mom devoted her entire life to her Family, and Dad especially, was her source of energy and happiness that kept her thriving.

She lived, loved, gave her all, and she also struggled. My Mom lived her life to the fullest. She was a loving Mom, beloved Wife and nurturing Grandmother. Through her actions, she left us with some beautiful memories, as she influenced my life and the person I am today. Thank you, Mom, for your unbounded love, your guidance, and protection.

Until we meet again, Mom. I love you! Cheers!