Mat and I were friends since 10th grade, and we journeyed through life together for 60 years. We attended the same high school, came to the U.S. on the same scholarship, returned to Vietnam, and worked for the same agency. Our families were evacuated to the U.S. at the same time, and we ended up joining the same church in Altadena. .

I will remember her for being incredibly detailed, neat, and organized. Her notebooks were often sought after by high school teachers. When traveling with her, you could feel at ease knowing she would meticulously carry all the essentials, even down to toothpicks. She was also amazingly skilled at sewing, knitting, and needlepoint.

Her unconditional love for Nanette, Kira, and Fiona was undeniable. Whenever Nanette needed help, Mat would drop everything to assist, no matter the time of day or the long distance she had to drive.

Her hospitality and generosity were well known among friends. We often gathered at her house to enjoy the delicious food she cooked and share old memories and silly jokes. My children called her "the best aunt" for remembering their birthdays and for the generous gifts she gave them.

My heart is beyond broken at losing her, but I take comfort in knowing that God took her home to relieve her of the suffering she endured for over three years. I will miss and love her forever.

Mat died 1/5/25, on her granddaughter Fiona’s 11th birthday, as if she reminded us to celebrate her life. To mention a few in a life full of many celebrations, I would like to share the following:

Mat had the wonderful experience in nurturing a beautiful and talented daughter , Nanette, she would not change anything. Mat would have been proud that Nanette wrote her heartfelt obituary posted on this website. Nanette posted a lovely photo of Mat with her granddaughters, Kira and Fiona. Mat would have appreciated this photo.

Mat adored her 2 granddaughters so much that she wanted to move to Huntington Beach when she retired. She already picked a small house in a nice senior community there, planned to sell her house in Covina, dreamed of being able to pick up Kira and Fiona after school and spend time with them when they were growing up, in their formative years, teaching them by playing and cooking. Mat did what she could for as long as possible.

Mat enjoyed her professional financial reporting responsibility for one of the Fortune 500 companies. Her contribution was so highly valued by her company that they asked her to continue some financial reporting assignments after her retirement a few years ago.

Mat was a treasured friend to many of us, she made us feel loved unconditionally, laughed and cried with each person.

Mat’s musical talent was natural. She would have been successful as a singer. Singing in her church choir was a way of fulfilling this passion which brought her many more good friends, including her caregiver in the last days.

Mat left behind so many people whose lives she touched as Nanette wrote in her obituary. May she rest in peace…