Vuong Phi

Vuong Phi, a trailblazing engineer and world traveler, passed away on May 14, 2023, at the age of 72, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on January 11, 1951, in Hanoi, Vietnam, Vuong was the daughter of Rung Ngoc Phi and Rico Thi Le, and the third of five siblings. She graduated from Trưng Vương secondary school and attended Dalat University before immigrating to the United States in 1969, where she graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in mechanical engineering.

Vuong’s professional career was marked by her determination to break through racial and gender barriers. She worked as an engineer for companies such as Bechtel, EQE, CYGNA, Stone & Webster, and PG&E from 1975 to 1989. In 1989, she returned to Vietnam to work as a product manager for Sun Microsystems and then Zitel. In 1997, she worked as a project manager for AT&T before retiring in 2013.

Vuong’s love for travel and adventure was evident in her many trips around the world. She enjoyed dancing, photography, exploring new cultures, and dining with close friends. She had a passionate love for the ocean and was happiest when cruising and swimming at the beach. Vuong was proud to have traveled to every ocean and thrived in her role as a group coordinator, event planner, and travel agent for her family and friends.

Vuong is survived by her husband, Truc Manh Nguyen-Dang; son, Vutu Nguyen; brothers, Hung Phi and Tuan Phi; and sister, Thinh Phi. She was preceded in death by her brother, Quang Phi; and her two beloved dogs, Lu and Tofu.

A visitation will be held in the Mausoleum at Sunset View Cemetery, 101 Colusa Ave., El Cerrito 94530 on May 19 from 8:45-9:45 a.m. Cremation at 10:00 a.m. The burial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Flowers can be delivered to the address above. Vuong will be remembered for her bright smile, booming laughter, and nurturing generosity.

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