Que Thi Nguyen lived an exceptional and remarkable life. Born on January 23, 1925, into a large family in the town of Ha Dong in North Vietnam, Que Thi attended an exclusive French school, excelled in her studies, and developed a tremendous work ethic. She married Nham Van Le and later gave birth to Cuong Van Le and was and loyal and dutiful mother and wife. After raising Cuong and supporting him as he became a physician in Vietnam, Que Thi focused on hobbies and other interests, including cooking, baking, sewing, reading, gardening, swimming, and exercise. She particularly enjoyed cooking gourmet French cuisine that her family and loved ones still rave about to this day. As her daughter in law describes her, “Que was great at everything.”
What made Que Thi’s time on earth so remarkable was that she lived two lives – one life in Vietnam prior to the fall Saigon – where she married, raised her son, and was an integral member of her extended family in Vietnam – and one life as a vibrant and proud citizen of the United States.
After the death of her husband, Que Thi escaped communist invasion in Vietnam, and – together with Cuong and his wife, Thao – left Vietnam in 1978 and were welcomed and supported by family in California. Que Thi, Cuong, and Thao quickly worked to become U.S. citizens and eventually settled in New Orleans, Louisiana, where Que Thi supported and encouraged Cuong as he completed his family medicine residency at Charity Hospital and later opened multiple successful clinics. For more than 25 years, Cuong was recognized as a top doctor in New Orleans. Que Thi stood proud at his achievements.
In Louisiana, Que Thi held on to Asian customs and welcomed new traditions. She enjoyed everything that New Orleans had to offer, including the Creole cuisine, fried shrimp po-boys, the French Quarter, dining at Commander’s Palace, jazz music, an occasional crawfish boil, the local Vietnamese community, and of course, the Mardi Gras parades. (Zulu was her favorite.)
In 1982, Que Thi became a “Ba” (grandmother) when Cuong and Thao gave birth to their daughter Linda. Que Thi took an active role in raising, educating, mentoring, and introducing Linda to the customs of Vietnam. As with her son, Que Thi instilled within Linda the values of education, hard work, and determination; and she encouraged Linda to always be her best. In 2015, Linda completed her training and became double board certified in general surgery and vascular surgery. Que Thi stood proud at her achievements.
One of the most remarkable days of Que Thi’s life was April 1, 2020, when Linda and her husband Chris gave birth to a daughter, Ella Le. As a “Ba Co” (great grandmother), Que Thi enjoyed playing and spending time with Ella, who always smiled at her great grandmother during their visits. Even at the end of her life, she still lived young! Her favorite foods were pizza, tacos, and sweets and enjoyed these treats every weekend with her family.
Que Thi passed away peacefully on January 8, 2021, at home with Thao, Linda, and her long-time caregiver at her side, Phung Doan. She is preceded in death by her husband Nham Van Le; son Cuong Van Le. Que Thi is survived by daughter-in-law Thao; granddaughter Linda Le and husband Chris Sitz; great granddaughter Ella Sitz; sister Quyen Nguyen and many loving nieces and nephews. She was especially close to her great niece, Jennifer Tran. Que Thi particularly enjoyed the comfort and camaraderie that was provided by Phung Doan, Clarissa Fenroy, and Shiela Horn.
A visitation for Que will be held Tuesday, January 19, 2021 from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Chapel of Eternal Peace at Forest Park, 2454 S Dairy Ashford, Houston, TX 77077. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, 20, 2021 at 10:00am at Chapel of Eternal Peace Funeral Home, followed by a cremation.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.chapelofeternalpeace.com for the Nguyen family.
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