Jamie Nguyet Tran

Jamie Nguyệt Trần passed away peacefully on the morning of July 27, 2025, at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital in New York City after 963 days of bravely fighting metastatic breast cancer. Surrounded by love until the very end, her family was able to say goodbye and tell her how deeply she was loved. We are forever grateful to her extraordinary medical team. Through it all, she remained her giggly, radiant self in her hardest moments. She leaves behind her devoted husband, Paul, and two children, Paula (35) and James (33), a family that deeply needed her.

Born in Chợ Lớn, Sài Gòn, Vietnam, Jamie was a true social butterfly her whole life. She had a magnetic energy that made people feel at ease, and she built friendships everywhere she went. She was the kind of friend who showed up, stayed in touch, made you laugh, and somehow knew just when to call. Her warmth and wit made her unforgettable. Being a mother was her greatest calling, and she lived it with her whole heart. She raised her children with strength, sweetness, …and a lot of spice. Jamie was a fierce advocate for her son, James, who has Down syndrome, and ensured he had access to every possible resource to help him thrive. She empowered both her children to grow into the most independent, joyful versions of themselves.

Even while undergoing treatment, Jamie continued to live fully. She hiked the mountains of Sapa, Vietnam, traveled solo back to her homeland, and planned a mini reunion for her friends across the country in San Francisco. She lived with intention, curiosity, and laughter.

Jamie immigrated to the United States with her family in 1989. As a new English speaker, she boldly chose to major in chemistry and went on to build a career as a chemist, quietly embodying the strength and brilliance that defined her life. She was fluent in at least four languages — Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, and English; and we say "at least" because she kept many of her superpowers secret, close to her chest.

She was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Then Nguyen, and her great-nephew, Felix Luu. She is survived by her father, Sanh Tran of Rehoboth, Massachusetts; four brothers, two sisters, five nieces, seven nephews, six grandnieces, and one grandnephew.

A Buddhist service to honor Jamie’s life will begin at 8:00 AM on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Pontarelli-Marino Funeral Home, 971 Branch Avenue, Providence, RI. Visitation will follow from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM. At 11:30 AM, Jamie will begin her final journey to the crematorium, passing by her home one last time, just as she would have wanted.

Guests are kindly asked to wear all black or dark-colored attire in keeping with traditional customs.

Those who wish to participate in altar offerings may bring items such as fresh flowers (lilies, chrysanthemums, or peonies), incense, small fruit offerings, or envelopes for temple donation. You may also simply offer a quiet prayer or moment of remembrance: your presence is more than enough.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to help cover Jamie’s medical and end-of-life care expenses. Donations can be sent via Zelle (@[email protected]) or PayPal (paypal.me/lordpaula).

For those who prefer to give in Jamie’s honor, donations may also be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, whose extraordinary team supported her throughout her journey: giving.mskcc.org.