Them Thi Le

We gather today to honor the extraordinary life of Mrs. Them Thi Le, affectionately known as Mu i Cao, a beacon of love and generosity who left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Born on the last day of 1946 in the serene town of Cai Be, Tien Giang, Vietnam, Mu i Cao's life journey was a testament to the power of resilience and joy. She departed from this world on June 27, 2025, in Chicago, IL, after a courageous battle with cancer, but her spirit remains undiminished, her legacy everlasting.
Mu i Cao's life was a melody composed of love, family, and the simple pleasures that bring richness to our existence. Her passion for jazz music was not just about the notes and the rhythm; it was a reflection of her philosophy-to flow with life's improvisations and to find harmony in its complexity. Dancing was another expression of her vibrant spirit, a reminder to us all that every step in life, whether light or heavy, is part of a beautiful dance.
Her love for light travels was a mirror of her inner journey-a quest for beauty, learning, and connection in the varied tapestry of the world. Mu i Cao's travels were never just about the places; they were about the people she met and the experiences she shared. Her stories were not just narratives; they were bridges she built between hearts and cultures.
Above all, Mu i Cao cherished the time spent with her family and friends. She is survived by her devoted children: Tuan Minh Le, her eldest son, who carries her strength and wisdom; Binh Thai Nguyen, her second son, who reflects her resilience and compassion; Thuy Duong Thai Nguyen - Trish, her eldest daughter, who embodies her grace and kindness; and Truong Giang Thai Nguyen, her youngest son, who continues her legacy of warmth and generosity. Her life as a loving mother was her greatest masterpiece, painted with the colors of care and unwavering support.
Mu i Cao was a devout Buddhist, and her faith was the undercurrent of her existence. It was her compass that guided her through life's ebbs and flows, her anchor in times of turmoil, and her light in moments of darkness. Her spirituality was not confined to the self; it was extended to all those around her, offering solace and inspiration.
To describe Mu i Cao as loving, thoughtful, and generous is to speak of the sun as warm, the ocean as vast, and the stars as bright. She was the embodiment of these attributes, touching lives in ways that words can scarcely capture. Her thoughtfulness was a gentle breeze that soothed troubled souls, her generosity a wellspring that quenched the thirst of the spirit, and her love a sanctuary for all who were fortunate enough to know her.
In celebrating Mu i Cao's life, we are called to embrace her qualities and to carry forward the torch of her spirit. Let us honor her memory not with sorrow but with the joy that she spread so freely. Let us weave the essence of her being into the fabric of our lives, and in doing so, may we too become sources of love, light, and hope.
Mu i Cao's journey on earth has concluded, but her story is far from over. It is etched in the hearts of her family, echoed in the laughter of her friends, and woven into the lives of all she touched. Her melody plays on, a symphony of love and life that will resonate through the ages. We bid farewell to a soul whose life was a gift, a lesson, and a blessing. Rest in peace, dear Mu i Cao, your light shines on.