Phuong Minh Tran

Mrs. Irene Nguyễn Văn Kỷ Minh Phượng was born in 1949, at a time when Vietnam was still surrounded by war and uncertainty. She was the seventh of ten children, growing up amid hardship, yet raised with strong moral values and the beautiful traditions of her family.

From a young age, our mother was guided in the virtues of công, dung, ngôn, hạnh—diligence in work, grace in appearance, propriety in speech, and integrity of character. She also studied cầm, kỳ, thi, họa—music, chess, poetry, and painting—cultivating both discipline and creativity that stayed with her throughout her life.

During her years with the Redemptorist Congregation in Đà Lạt, she was nurtured in faith, reflection, and service—experiences that quietly shaped her values and her strength.

Through her leadership and dedication in Boys’ and Girls’ Scouts, she met our father, Mr. Trần Phú Hữu, who would become her lifelong companion. Together, they raised three children: Trần Hữu Minh Triết, Trần Hữu Minh Anh, and Trần Hữu Minh Nhựt - as well as ten grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren

Our mother’s life was not without hardship. She endured many trials and storms, yet she met them with resilience, determination, and grace. She was a third-degree Aikido master, deeply committed not only to teaching martial arts, but also to shaping character, discipline, and integrity in her students. Through her teaching, she touched countless lives and left lasting impressions that continue to live on.

In her final days, our mother remained steadfast and at peace, guided by the faith that had accompanied her since childhood. She was surrounded by care, familiarity, and love, and her life came full circle—rooted in the values that had shaped her from the very beginning.

Today, we remember her not only for what she endured, but for how she lived: with strength, quiet dignity, generosity, and devotion—to her family, her students, and the principles she believed in.

We are grateful for the time we shared with her, for the lessons she gave us, and for the love she leaves behind. Her legacy lives on in all of us.

Visitation will take place at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home, located at 14501 North Interstate 35, Pflugerville, Texas, 78660, on January 16, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

A Rosary and Visitation will be held at Holy Vietnamese Martyrs Catholic Church, 1107 E Yager Ln, Austin, Texas, 78753, on January 16, 2026, from 6:15 pm to 8:00 pm.

The Funeral Mass will occur at Holy Vietnamese Martyrs Catholic Church, 1107 E Yager Ln, Austin, Texas, 78753, on January 17, 2026, at 10:00 am.

Active pallbearers will include Leon Tran, Huy Nguyen, Andrew Ho, and Daniel Tran.