Phuong Vu

Phuong Vu was born on January 27, 1949, during turbulent times in Phat Diem, Vietnam.  In 1954, her family abandoned their homes and fled Phat Diem for fear of religious persecution under Ho Chi Minh’s government.   She lived in Nha Trang for a few years before settling in Saigon, Vietnam.

During her teenage years in Saigon, she became reacquainted with her future husband, Huyen Vu, the son of her mother’s best friend.  Over the years, their friendship grew into a budding romance.   She waited patiently for him as he trained to be an Air-force helicopter pilot.   Upon the completion of his training, he was selected to train in the US for another year.  They continue to date until 1967, when her patience ran out.   She married the love of her life on June 1, 1968.

During her early married life, she lived with the fear that her husband may not come home after one of his flight missions.  The threat of war culminated with the fall of Vietnam, where she and her family barely escaped on one of the last helicopters flying to a nearby US Aircraft Carrier.  At 25 years old, she immigrated to America with her husband, her two small children, without any belongings, and a limited grasp of the English language.

Armed with her strong Catholic faith, she loved her family fiercely as she managed with limited resources, hard work ethics, and a zest for life.   She was a great friend to many, a good neighbor, but most of all, an incredible mom and grandmother.

She enjoyed cooking for friends and family (her delicious egg rolls were a requested staple at all celebrations), gardening and traveling with her husband, and maybe an occasional trip to Atlantic City.

Mrs. Vu was preceded in death by her son, John Vu.   She is survived by her husband, Huyen Vu, her daughter, Terri McDonald, her son-in-law, Walter McDonald III, and her four grandchildren (Walter, Caroline, Emily and Brianna).

Although she is no longer of this world, she left her family a legacy of love, kindness, and many wonderful memories.

Friends & Relatives are invited to Livestream Mrs. Vu's Visitation at 11:00 AM & Funeral Mass at 11:30 AM on Friday, April 24, 2020 through St. Norbert’s Church by clinking on the following link, https://parish.stnorbert.org/livestream/ , services are not to be attended in person, Interment SS Peter & Paul Cemetery

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her honor to Fr. David J. Duffy Memorial Fund, address will be added shortly