oang Oanh Lu

In Loving Memory of Hoang Oanh Thi "Kathy" Lu

March 1, 1953 – February 12, 2026

Hoang Oanh Thi Lu, affectionately known as Kathy, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2026, in Lathrop, California surrounded by her loving family. A woman of extraordinary resilience and quiet grace, Kathy's life was defined by her unwavering devotion to her family and her fearless, entrepreneurial spirit.

Born in Saigon, Vietnam, Kathy embodied the strength of her homeland from a young age. A gifted student educated in a French Catholic school, she achieved the remarkable feat of passing her Baccalaureate exam at just 16 years old. At 22, Kathy demonstrated immense courage when she fled Saigon while six months pregnant, accompanied by her three-year-old daughter, and extended family.

Her journey of courage and resilience took her from the Philippines to Africa. By age 24, she was a vital trilingual interpreter for CDCP in Libreville, Gabon bridging international companies with her fluency in French, English, and Tagalog. In 1979, she moved to the United States to reunite with family, beginning a final chapter defined by the same unwavering grit that guided her entire life

A natural entrepreneur, Kathy was tireless in her pursuit of the American Dream. Whether working as a hairstylist, a real estate agent, or owning and operating several restaurants across the Bay Area, she led with an exceptional work ethic and determination. Her success was never for herself; it was always to ensure her family was provided for and protected.

Above all, Kathy was the heart of her family. She was a selfless matriarch who made her loved ones her number one priority. She expressed her love through the warmth of her kitchen, ensuring that no one ever went without. Her life was a testament to the power of independence and generosity, and she will be remembered for the quiet confidence with which she moved through the world.

Kathy was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Long and Be Lu. Her legacy of love continues through her devoted husband of 23 years, George Peregoy; her daughters, Teresa Mallen (John) and Andrea Lu; and her stepchildren, Janelle and John Peregoy. She loved and cared for her four siblings, Tuan, Dung, Yen, and Minh Lu; her five cherished grandchildren, Avery, Haley, Nicholas, Daniel, and Elinor; and her precious great-grandson, Grayson.

Kathy is deeply honored, forever respected, and profoundly missed by all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to a local church or charity in Kathy's honor, reflecting her lifelong spirit of generosity.