As the warm sun rose on November 22, 2023, Lan Xuan Nguyen, was reunited with her son and loved ones that passed before her. Lan Xuan Nguyen, devoted wife, and loving mother of six, peacefully passed away. Lan’s passing is bittersweet and the family is heartbroken.
Lan was born on October 16, 1943 to Nguyen Van Diet and Tran Thi Lai in Binh Duong, Viet Nam. She was one of nine siblings and was known for her gentle demeanor and beautiful smile. Lan embraced her role as a female Vietnamese and learned to cook Vietnamese cuisine at the age of 9. As a teenager, she enjoyed school and worked as a secretary at a local newspaper company. On December 25, 1964, she married Vinh Nguyen and they would go on to have six children. She was a devoted wife and adored her husband for 59 years.
Lan loved her family. They were her life and she made the ultimate sacrifice in 1978 to leave her beloved home country with her family and immigrate to the United States. After a dangerous escape and months at a refugee camp, the family arrived ready to live the American dream. To support her family, Lan worked as a newspaper carrier for the Post Bulletin and long hours at the family’s Asian grocery market. She would then come home from work and make at least a three-course dinner every night. Lan loved to cook and she loved watching others devour her food. She also loved fashion, fancy make-up, and the scent of Chanel perfume. Her collection of Ao Dai dresses was extensive and beautiful.
In December 2008, Lan suffered a stroke, and this began her health decline and eventual diagnosis of dementia. She fought the illness with fortitude and even when she could no longer remember your name, she smiled that brilliant smile when she saw you because she recognized you as someone she loved.
Lan Nguyen is survived by her husband, Vinh; daughters, Sue Phuong (Joe) and Ngoc (Kris); sons, Thang (Sarah), Phat, and Huy; grandchildren, Ai Ashley, Maiah, Marcus, Alexa, Sean, Tyler, Rocco, Max, Bianca, Mason, Nicholas, Madeline, Kylie, Brianna, and Lilly; and brothers, sisters and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to her parents, Lan was preceded in death by her son, Bao; and brothers and sisters.
Family and friends are welcome to attend funeral services which will be held at Rochester Cremation, 1605 Civic Center Dr, NW, Rochester, Minnesota on Friday, December 1, 2023. The monk prayer chant will begin at 1:00. Visitation is from 2:00 – 4:00 pm and the cremation is to follow.
Rochester Cremation Services is honored to serve the family. Memories and condolences of Lan may be shared at rochestercremationservicesmn.com
Love and condolences to the Nguyen Family. I’ll always remember Lan’s caring and beautiful smile , and how sweet she always was to me growing up.
Im so sorry for the loss of your mother and wife. That was such a beautiful obituary, it brought both smiles and tears! You have such a close beautiful family, and she was obviously a big reason for that! I know she was proud of that! My condolences to the whole family.