It is with profound sadness that we announce Phuong Hong Nguyen, age 58, of Bartlett, IL, passed away on May 24, 2024.  Phuong was born March 20, 1966 in Vietnam and moved to the United States at the age of 17, where she embraced new opportunities and challenges.

Phuong pursued her academic passions with vigor, earning an undergraduate degree from Iowa State University and a master's degree in meteorology from South Dakota School of Mines & Technology. She worked as a research scientist for the EPA of the United States.

Phuong's life is not easily captured by her profession though. Her values are better seen through the lens of family. For example, she translated her work skills into our homes, keen to ensure her loved ones were always safe from pollution and toxins. She found true happiness in the simple pleasures of life such as gardening, love for her nieces and nephews, and companionship with her husband.

She treated each niece and nephew as her own. Anyone can attest to the extreme dedication and care she showed to the children. Imploring us to cherish our time with each other, she was always the first to find any excuse to plant flowers together. Our family’s garden of unwavering love for each other is the result of the foundation she built.

Her compassion manifested in an open-door policy. For any reason and for any length of time, we were welcomed into her home. No matter the circumstances, she was always ready to offer a hot meal, warm bed, and listening ear. Because of this, she was able to encourage vulnerability and openness with anyone who interacted with her.

She became the glue for many, an unsung hero who worked behind the scenes to mitigate conflict and mediate amicable resolutions. Her empathy allowed her to break down intragenerational barriers, resulting in a deep connection between both older and younger family members. She demanded the best from us, pushing us to understand each other better, but her empathy consoled us when we fell short. The respect, dedication, and care that this family shows each other are the fruits of her labor.

Her relationship with her husband is one to marvel at. Her fiery spirit and boldness brought out the best in him. They could rarely be found without each other. Her longstanding dedication and loyalty to him is apparent in every action. Her love is exemplified even through something as simple as a haircut.

The roots that she planted within this family will never be forgotten; the flowers she leaves behind are still apparent today. Her passing leaves a tremendous hole, but she worked to instill the importance of family in each member. Her legacy will be carried on unquestionably, by the bonds we continue to develop with each other. We can only hope to be as nurturing and understanding as her.

She leaves behind her beloved husband (Dung Nguyen) of over 30 years; parents (Chanh Nguyen, Hong Phan); brothers (Phan Nguyen & Binh Nguyen); nieces and nephews; and a circle of friends who will miss her dearly and remember her fondly.

Phuong is also predeceased by her beloved brother (Quyen Nguyen), uncle (Bang Nguyen), and aunt (Tham Nguyen).

Prayers with family and close friends will be held at 7:00am, followed by visitation from 9:00am to 10:45am, Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at Symonds-Madison Funeral Home, 305 Park Street, Elgin, IL 60120.

To access the prayers and visitation remotely, loved ones are encouraged to log on via Zoom (Meeting ID: 840 6018 5105, Password: 711395).

Interment will be private.

Final arrangements entrusted to Symonds-Madison Funeral Home. For more information, call 847-741-1128.