Thanh-Trúc Ngọc Nguyễn

My mother, Thanh-Trúc Ngọc Nguyễn, known to some as Tammy or Tina, passed away on July 30, 2026, at the age of 49 in San Diego, California. She was born on April 4, 1977 and raised in Tay Ninh, Vietnam.

She grew up with three older sisters and a younger brother. In 1995, she immigrated to the United States. Determined and hard-working, she studied cosmetology at community college and achieved her dreams of becoming a manicurist and barber.

While studying cosmetology, she met the love of her life, Phin Pham. They got married in 2003, and built a life together in San Diego. They were blessed with two children, Scottin and Brittney, who brought immense joy and pride to her life.

More than anything, she was a devoted wife and loving mother. Her family was her greatest joy. She dedicated herself wholeheartedly and unconditionally to loving and supporting her loved ones. She was many things to many people. A warm friend. A cherished daughter. A dependable sister. A kind aunt. A dedicated wife. A loving mother. Her tenderness, generosity, and warm spirit touched the countless lives who had the privilege of meeting her.

She was like sunlight. She was extremely compassionate and forgiving, someone you could never forget once you had the privilege to meet. She sacrificed enormously for her family, and unconditionally supported their dreams and endeavors.

Yellow was her favorite color, and looking back, it suited her. She brought the same kind of warmth and brightness into the lives of her loved ones. Although she was the youngest sister, her siblings came to her for guidance.

She loved giving gifts, traveling with her family, and doing acts of generosity for her loved ones. She also cherished taking lots and lots of family photos, sometimes long after the rest of us were tired of posing. Now those pictures are some of the things we treasure most.

My mom was my guiding light. Her bright personality taught me kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. Her courage in starting a new life in a new country, and the hard work she put into building a future for our family, taught me determination and perseverance. Though she isn’t with me today, I’ll continue to carry and cherish everything she’s taught me and sacrificed for me; and become someone that I know she’d be proud of.

She brought warmth to our family and home. I know that she’ll continue to guide our family.

I wish I could tell her one more time that she was the greatest mother I could ever ask for, and that I'm the person I am today, because of her.