Huong B u Brewster

Obituary of Huong B u Brewster

Huong B u Brewster passed away peacefully on August 12, 2025 in New Canaan, Connecticut, at age 84. B u was admired for her strength and her fiery spirit, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Born on September 6, 1940, in Vietnam, B u was the youngest of seven children and the daughter of a civil magistrate. She lived through a tumultuous era in her homeland, working for the U.S. Embassy in Saigon, where she met her husband of 43 years, Donald Charles Brewster, the last U.S. Cultural Attaché. In the waning days of the U.S. Mission in 1975, B u fled Vietnam with her two children and Donald departed on the final helicopter with the U.S. ambassador, aiding Vietnamese family and allies in their escape from communism. The family's youngest, beloved brother, Nguy n ình Phúc, closest in age to B u and a company commander in the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN), endured reeducation camps and tragically died attempting to escape. As the last of her generation, B u was, in modern terms, an apex survivor-rising above war, displacement, and loss to forge a vibrant life.

After arriving in the United States, B u devoted herself to creating a busy and supportive home, deeply rooted in family traditions and values. B u (or Linda as she was known to American friends) became the original matriarch of her family's American journey. She wove her heritage into her new life, sharing stories of Vietnam and teaching her children and grandchildren the importance of resilience and family. Her passion for cooking shone through in her legendary ch giò, baby back ribs, and Bún bò Hu which brought loved ones together around her table. B u tended her orchids and plants with a singular passion, a reflection of her nurturing spirit. Her love for her eight grandchildren knew no bounds, enriching their lives with stories, meals, and advice.

B u supported her family's education and military service, took pride in their accomplishments, and found solace and purpose in her Buddhist practice. Her love extended to her many nephews, nieces, grandnephews, and grandnieces across the country and around the world.

B u was predeceased by her husband, Donald Charles Brewster, in 2009. She is survived by her children, Donald Charles Brewster, Jr. and his wife, Michelle Ann Brewster, and MyLinh Brewster Shattan and her husband, Mark David Shattan; and her beloved grandchildren, Alexandra Ann Brewster, Donald Charles Brewster III, Nolan Charles Brewster, Josephine Ann Brewster, Quincy Charles Brewster, Cara Linh Shattan, Mark Davis Shattan, and Norah B u Shattan.

A Buddhist funeral ceremony will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 9:00 AM at Hoyt Funeral Home in New Canaan, led by the Venerable Su Sán Nhiên. In keeping with Buddhist tradition, a 49-day memorial ceremony will take place at the Catuddisa Sangha Vihara.

Huong B u Brewster's life and her presence will remain in the hearts of those who loved her. The family extends its heartfelt gratitude for the prayers, kindness, and support shared during this time of loss.

Huong B u Brewster

September 6, 1940 - August 12, 2025

Buddhist Funeral Service

Officiated by

Venerable Su Sán Nhiên

Hoyt Funeral Home

199 Main Street, New Canaan, Connecticut

Saturday, August 16, 2025

9:00 AM

BUDDHIST FUNERAL SERVICE

Huong B u Brewster

September 6, 1940 - August 12, 2025

FAMILY

Beloved Wife of Donald Charles Brewster (deceased) May 22, 1934 - September 2, 2009

Devoted Mother of Donald Charles Brewster, Jr. and wife Michelle Ann Brewster, MyLinh Brewster Shattan and husband Mark David Shattan

Cherished Grandmother of Alexandra Ann Brewster, Donald Charles Brewster, III, Nolan Charles Brewster, Josephine Ann Brewster, Quincy Charles Brewster, Cara Linh Shattan, Mark Davis Shattan, Norah B u Shattan

ORDER OF SERVICE

9:00AM BUDDHIST FUNERAL CEREMONY Traditional Buddhist Rites

The Buddhist funeral ceremony will be conducted by the Venerable Su Sán Nhiên. This sacred ritual typically includes:

• Casket Blessing and Sealing - The monk will offer final blessings and three prayers before the casket is respectfully closed

• Chanting of Sutras - Recitation of Buddhist scriptures, including the Heart Sutra and other protective chants, to guide the deceased's spirit and provide comfort to the family

• Merit Transfer Ceremony - Prayers and chants to transfer merit (positive karma) to the deceased, helping ensure a favorable rebirth

• Incense Offering - The burning of incense to purify the space and carry prayers upward

• Final Dharma Teaching - A brief teaching about impermanence and the Buddhist understanding of death and rebirth

The ceremony is conducted in a spirit of compassion and wisdom, honoring the life of the deceased while providing spiritual comfort to those who remain.

10:00 AM VIEWING AND PAYING LAST RESPECTS

Family and friends are invited to pay their final respects. This is a time for quiet reflection, prayer, and saying goodbye.

10:30 AM PROCESSION TO CREMATORIUM – Family Only

The casket will be transported to the crematorium. A small group of family will accompany the deceased for the final rites.

Following the Service until 2:00 PM MEMORIAL GATHERING at the Shattan residence

All family and friends are warmly invited to stop by for a memorial gathering to celebrate Huong B u's life, share memories, and support one another during this time of grief.

Location: The Shattan residence

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The family expresses its heartfelt gratitude for your presence, prayers, and support during this difficult time.

49-DAY MEMORIAL CEREMONY

In accordance with Buddhist tradition, a memorial ceremony will be held on the 49th day following Huong B u Brewster's passing.

Date: September 30, 2025

Time: 1:00 PM

Location: T Phuong Tang T

Catuddisa Sangha Vihara, 5044 Old Shipps Store Road, Bealeton, Virginia 22712

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE 49-DAY CEREMONY

In Buddhist belief, the period following death is a crucial time for the deceased's spiritual journey. The 49-day period, known as the "intermediate state" or "bardo," is when the consciousness of the departed seeks its next rebirth. This tradition is based on the understanding that it takes up to seven weeks (49 days) for the soul to transition from one life to the next.

During this time, merit-making activities such as prayers, chanting, offerings, and charitable acts are performed by family and friends to benefit the deceased. These positive actions help generate good karma that can influence the departed's next rebirth toward a more favorable realm.

The 49-day ceremony serves multiple purposes: To transfer accumulated merit to the deceased; to offer final prayers and blessings for a peaceful transition; to bring closure and comfort to grieving family members; to celebrate the life and continuing spiritual journey of the departed.