Suu Dang Nguyen

Suu Dang Nguyen. With heartfelt sorrow and faith in the promise of eternal life, we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved Mama Suu on January 5, 2025, at the age of 86.

Mama Suu, born in Vientiane, Laos, in 1938, was the youngest and only daughter among six siblings. Her life was a testament to grace, resilience, and unwavering faith in God’s plan. From her humble beginnings helping her mother as a street vendor at the tender age of seven, she demonstrated a spirit of determination and a heart full of love for those around her.

Her journey through life was extraordinary. Mama Suu embraced challenges with courage and strength, excelling in diverse fields such as retail, real estate, and banking, all while nurturing her three beloved children. In 1975, she made a life-changing decision to leave her homeland, seeking freedom and opportunity in the United States as a refugee. Settling in Northern Kentucky, she worked tirelessly to provide for her family, including serving as a lunch lady at her children’s school cafeteria—a role that epitomized her humility and devotion.

In 2009, guided by her love for family, Mama Suu moved to Chicago to be closer to her daughters. There, her passion for Vietnamese cuisine and family unity inspired the creation of Saigon Sisters. As the cherished matriarch and face of the brand at the Chicago French Market, she shared her warmth, wisdom, and generosity with everyone who crossed her path.

A devout Catholic, Mama Suu lived her life in service to others, embodying the teachings of Christ through acts of kindness and compassion. Her unwavering faith was her strength and source of hope in all circumstances.

Mama Suu leaves behind a profound legacy of love, resilience, and community.

Beloved wife of the late Danh Van Nguyen; dear mother of Mary (Dan Aregoni) Nguyen Aregoni, Theresa Nguyen, and Joe (Susan Bittle) Nguyen; loving grandmother of Leah Nguyen and Josh Nguyen; fond sister of Dan Van Dang; and extended family, who will forever hold her in their hearts.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace, and may her memory continue to be a blessing and inspiration for generations to come.

Family and friends will meet on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at St. John Cantius Church, 825 N. Carpenter St., Chicago, IL 60642 for a 10:00 a.m. Visitation followed by an 11:00 a.m. Funeral Mass.

A second visitation will be held on Monday, January 13, 2024 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at Linnemann Funeral Homes (30 Commonwealth Ave. Erlanger, KY 41018). Procession and graveside service will immediately follow at St. Mary Cemetery, Ft. Mitchell, KY.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, 800-805-5856, www.stjude.org.