Chinh Canh Trieu

Chinh Canh Trieu, cherished wife, devoted mother, beloved grandmother, auntie and treasured friend, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2025, in Petaluma, California, at the age of 95.

Born on July 1, 1930, in Hong Kong, China, Chinh migrated to Vietnam with her parents at the age of five. Though her childhood was marked by humble beginnings and limited material wealth, she was surrounded by deep love and care. Unable to attend formal school due to financial hardship, Chinh diligently taught herself French and secured a job to help support her family — enabling her two younger brothers to attend private school. Her determination and selflessness were evident from an early age.

In 1957, she married her husband, Tan, and together they built a successful business from the ground up, creating a life of abundance and opportunity for their seven children. After the fall of Saigon in 1975, Chinh and her husband endured immense hardship under the communist regime’s harsh treatment of business owners. Yet it was her extraordinary courage and clever resolve that led to the family’s daring escape from Vietnam in late 1978 — leaving behind everything they had built to seek freedom and better opportunities for all their children.

Following eight difficult months in a Malaysian refugee camp, the family arrived in San Rafael, California, in July 1979. Once again, Chinh embraced a new beginning with grace, courage and resilience. She attended ESL classes, learned English, and devoted herself to raising her children in a new land. In 1989, when her children had each found their footing in life, she began working tirelessly alongside her husband and eldest son, Alex Phung to run Yulupa Liquor Store in Santa Rosa — a seven-day-a-week commitment that spanned over a decade. Her work ethic and unwavering support helped fulfill her husband’s dream of entrepreneurship in America.

Chinh finally retired in 2000, embracing a more relaxed life while continuing to be the heart of every family gathering. Known for her gentle wisdom, boundless courage, extraordinary cooking, and joyful spirit. Her rich life was defined by immense personal sacrifice and a steadfast, unwavering devotion to her husband, children, and loved ones.

She is survived by her loving husband, Tan; their seven children; her sons- and daughters-in-law; and six adoring grandchildren, who will carry forward her legacy of kindness, grace, strength, diligence, and deep familial love.

A private memorial service will be held in accordance with her wishes, honoring her life through traditional Chinese rites and heartfelt family tributes.

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(Petaluma)

(San Rafael). (Santa Rosa) Yulupa