Tran, Lieu Thi's Obituary
Tran Thi Lieu (Diane Lieu Thi Tran)
"Like the willow in the wind, gentle yet resilient." (Như liễu trước gió—mềm mại nhưng kiên cường)
With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Lieu Thi Tran, a woman of extraordinary strength, boundless love, and unwavering determination. Though her American name was Diane, she was known and cherished as Lieu, a name meaning "Willow Tree" in Vietnamese—perfectly reflecting her grace, resilience, and ability to provide shelter and care for those she loved.
Though she never had the opportunity for formal education and could not read or write, she possessed wisdom and skill set far beyond what books could teach. She mastered the art of cooking, carrying within her heart a vast collection of intricate recipes, each dish taking hours, each meal infused with love. Her hands, though never trained to hold a pen, crafted meals that nourished the soul and wove her family together in ways words never could.
Her life was a testament to ambition and perseverance. Born into poverty, she refused to let hardship define her. Through sheer determination and an unbreakable spirit, she achieved what once seemed impossible by becoming a homeowner and creating a stable foundation for her family. She took on the challenge of running a laundromat business, embracing every opportunity to provide for her loved ones.
Beyond her cooking, she had a remarkable green thumb, transforming even the smallest patch of land into a lush and abundant garden. Her homegrown vegetables filled the family table, bringing fresh, vibrant meals straight from the earth. Every summer, her children delighted in the crunch of freshly picked cucumbers, the sweetness of sun-ripened tomatoes, and the bold flavors of peppers and green leafy herbs, all carefully nurtured by her hands. From soil to table, she created meals that were not just food, but expressions of love and care.
Later in life, when she became a grandmother, she dedicated herself to what she knew mattered most—her family. She embraced this new role with the same passion and devotion that had defined her entire life, filling the lives of her grandchildren with warmth, tradition, and invaluable lessons of resilience until dementia slowly stole her memories. Yet, it could never take away the joy she felt when she saw her children. Even as time faded her recollections, her happiness and excitement at their presence remained, a testament to the love that had always been at the center of her life. Lieu Thi Tran is survived by her husband, her seven children, and her nine grandchildren, all of whom share in the deep sorrow of losing her.
She is deeply missed and forever cherished.
What’s your fondest memory of Lieu?
What’s a lesson you learned from Lieu?
Share a story where Lieu's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Lieu you’ll never forget.
How did Lieu make you smile?