Le Thi Nga

Nga Thi Le was born in Biên Hòa, Vietnam, on May 19th, 1956. She was born into a large family with nine other siblings (six brothers and three sisters), and was known as #9 among her siblings. She was recognized for being lighthearted and caring, but also quite fierce when the situation demanded it. She grew up in Biên Hòa, Vietnam, where her family helped establish a local primary school and various community developments. Regarded as an honor student throughout elementary to high school, she was able to pass the rigorous high school exit exam and earned her graduating diploma with one of the highest ranks in the class. She continued on her education and attended the famed University of Dalat at the School of Business and Politics as a freshman, before the communist regime took over in May 1975. After a few years living under the regime, she made the courageous decision to flee her home country by boat.

After a long and difficult journey, she finally made it to the United States. She went to college at Cal State Long Beach, where she graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering. She became an accomplished engineer who was able to apply her technical and analytical skills not only to work, but also to everyday situations. She made many friends along the way and built numerous deep bonds akin to that of sisterhood, who can all attest to her strong core values and unwavering work ethic. Despite continually meeting new friends and pushing forward with life, she always made an effort to keep in touch with the old, oftentimes having reunions with her childhood, high school, and college friends. In addition to the hard working and serious traits that she portrayed, she had an easygoing and humorous side that many enjoyed. It was no secret that she was a popular and well-loved human being.

She had three children: Eric, Jeffrey, and Pauline. Those who knew her know that she revolved her life around these three. She saw them as her main priority in life. Allocating all of her time and energy to successfully provide a blissful childhood and healthy life for them to develop into the well-rounded individuals they are today. Her actions were a true representation of the phrase “nothing is stronger than a mother’s love”. Her favorite thing to do was to spend quality time with them, which established their strong family bond and lasting memories. She would push aside all other priorities to even spend a simple day at home gardening with them. However, that is not to say that she did not care about anyone else. She would always try to make sure everyone would feel included at family parties/events, oftentimes regarding her nieces and nephews as her own children. A warm-hearted and sincere individual to all, she was a family woman.

Nga had an adventurous personality and was an avid traveler, with a deep-seated desire to visit every different place that the world had to offer and to marvel at all the unique cultures. She was able to visit 19 countries and 23 states within the United States! She would often gaze at the natural wonders in awe and take pictures to document her travels, mostly vacationing with her children and her younger siblings who were also keen to explore the world. Spontaneous or well-planned out travels, near and far, she was up for it all. She was never afraid to take any challenge head on, and always strived to serve as an example of strength and determination. She was a beacon of light to those who knew her and was always willing to help those who needed assistance without a hesitation. Always kind and sentimental.

On October 10, 2021, Nga’s life was unexpectedly and tragically cut short while traveling. The news of her passing has left many families and friends heartbroken, as she had so much more life and love to give. The light amidst this devastating news was that at the end of her life, she was doing what she loved most: travelling the world with some of her loved ones. Although she is no longer physically here, her legacy lives on forever in the abundance of hearts that she has touched throughout her life.