Loi Thi Pham

Loi Thi Pham, born in Saigon, Vietnam on August 3, 1942, to Kieu Van Pham and Ty Thi To, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2026, at DePaul Hospital in the presence of loved ones. She was 83 years old and a longtime resident of O’Fallon, Missouri.

A devoted mother and grandmother, Loi was the former spouse of Lon Van Nguyen. She is survived by her children: Kim Loan Nguyen, Luan (Phung Chau) Nguyen, Lasia (Sean) Roper, and Leila (Anthony Lao) Nguyen. She was preceded in death by her daughter, My Linh (Hiep Le) Nguyen. Loi cherished her grandchildren: Andrew and Angelina Le, Anthony Nguyen, and Asa Lao.

After the Vietnam War, Loi courageously left her homeland as a single mother with her four daughters, enduring multiple attempts, imprisonment, and perilous journeys in her determination to secure a better future for her children and reunite with her son. After seven days on open waters, they were rescued by the US Navy and taken to a refugee camp in Indonesia before being welcomed to the United States. With quiet strength and deep faith, she built a close community of friends who became family. Loi was the heart of her home, an exceptional cook whose meals drew everyone together, a passionate gardener who found joy in nurturing plants, and a woman who lovingly preserved Vietnamese traditions while creating new ones. In her quieter moments, she found comfort in attending Mass and watching Asian dramas. Her family will always remember her remarkable courage, profound sacrifices, and the unconditional love she gave them every day.