Helene Gia Nguyen 87, of Reading, PA passed away Saturday, April 17, 2021 in Laureldale,PA. She was predeceased by her husband Kieu Van Doan in 1999. She was born in Saigon, Vietnam on February 15, 1934 a daughter of the late Hong Xuan Nguyen and Hanh Thi Nguyen.
Deep in her faith, she was a devout Catholic and was a parishioner of Saint Peter the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, Reading.
Helene was a cosmetics surgery and beauty clinic owner in Vietnam and a business leader ahead of her time. She was always active in helping family members whether with employment, or funding for their education, or lodging for those coming to Saigon from the provinces to study for several years at a time, or in so many other ways. In 1975, she immigrated from Vietnam to the United States. A few years later, starting from scratch, she invested in real estate and worked as a rental property owner and manager (Golden International Associates) in Berks County PA, for more than 40 years. Always mindful of the family, she helped many family members relocate from Vietnam and restart their lives in the US. She always encouraged others to do well and inspired several to go into business for themselves. To many, she was "Mamy", the surrogate mother, ever encouraging, with a twinkle in her eyes.
Surviving are her children; Khanh H. Doan of New York, Phong H. Doan of Massachusetts, Linh Chi Gregory of Reading PA, 4 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
A viewing for Helene will be held on Monday, April 26, 2021 from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM at Auman's Inc., 390 W. Neversink Rd., Reiffton, PA 19606. Prayer service will promptly commence in the funeral home at 2:00 PM, with Deacon Howard Schultz officiating. Graveside committal will immediately follow at Forest Hills Memorial Park, 391 W Neversink Rd, Reading, PA 19606
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.aumansinc.com for the Nguyen family.
