A Life Story
Phan Thị Quang Thái | 1941 – 2026 With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Phan Thị Quang Thái, who departed this life peacefully on April 16, 2026, at the age of 85. With her devoted husband by her side, Thái concluded a life defined by resilience, sacrifice, and an all-encompassing love for her family. Known affectionately as Mẹ by her sons and daughters-in-law, her legacy lives on through the family she fought so hard to protect and provide for. A Journey of Resilience Born in Thái Bình, North Vietnam, in 1941, Thái’s life was marked by historical courage. In 1954,she and her family fled the communist regime to settle in Saigon. It was there, in 1960, that she met her husband, Nguyễn Văn Kiểm, through a matchmaker; they were wed in November 1963.In April 1975, history again called upon her strength. For the second time in their lives, Thái and Kiểm escaped the communists, this time with five young sons, to seek a new beginning in the United States. Building a Life in Rochester The Nguyễn family settled in Rochester, NY, in the fall of 1975. Embracing their new home, Tháiand Kiểm (Bố) worked tirelessly. They navigated the challenges of learning a new language and balancing multiple jobs while attending night school. They seized every opportunity available,fueled by a singular mission: to build a strong, loving home and ensure a bright future for their children. A Life of Joy and Flavor Mẹ had a zest for life’s many pleasures, including traveling, dining, and shopping. However, her greatest joy was her family—especially the time spent with her children and grandchildren.She famously expressed her love through her cooking. Her Vietnamese dishes were legendary among family and friends; her kitchen was a place of abundance, known for its phở, bún riêu,chả giò, and Bố’s favorite, bún thang. When she wasn't in the kitchen, Mẹ was a vibrant fixture at the YMCA. She loved socializing and spent hours there daily, moving from swim aerobics to Zumba classes with boundless energy. A Legacy of Love Mẹ was known for her frequent phone calls to her sons at all hours of the day and night. Often losing track of time zones, she would accidentally call in the middle of the night, only to apologize profusely once she realized the hour. These calls are now cherished memories of a mother who simply wanted to hear her children's voices. She taught her family how to cherish one another and how to sacrifice selflessly for the ones you love. Family Thái was preceded in death by her father, Phan Quang Cẩm; her mother, Nguyễn Thị Tâm Ninh; and her brothers, Cự and Cường. She is survived by her five sons and their families: ● Nguyễn Khang and wife Nga; their children, Ethan and Lauren. ● Nguyễn Đăng Khoa and wife Jennifer; their children, Luke, Ryder, and Elijah. ● Nguyễn Thiện Khải and wife Trang; their children, Emma and Ryan. ● Nguyễn Quang Khánh and wife Cassie; their children, Jake and Jae. ● Nguyễn Chí Kha and wife Daisy; their children, Conor and Linden. Service Information Family and friends are invited to honor her life on Monday, April 20, 2026, at Gamble Funeral Service. ● Location: 410 Stephenson Ave, Savannah, GA ● Viewing: 11:00 AM ● Buddhist Service: 12:00 PM ● Interment: 2:00 PM at Greenwich Cemetery CÁO PHÓ OBITUARY Gia đình chúng tôi vô cùng thương tiếc báo tin vợ, mẹ, bà của chúng tôi In Loving Memory Of PHAN THỊ QUANG THÁI Pháp danh: Nguyên Phúc Religious name: Nguyên Phúc Sinh ngày: 12 tháng 3 năm 1941 tại Thái Bình, Việt Nam Born: March 12, 1941 in Thái Bình, Vietnam Từ trần ngày: 16 tháng 4 năm 2026 (nhằm ngày 29 tháng 2 âm lịch năm Bính Ngọ) Passed away: April 16, 2026 Hưởng thọ: 85 tuổi | Age: 85 Chương Trình Tang Lễ – Ngày 20 tháng 4 năm 2026 Funeral Services – April 20, 2026 Địa điểm: Gamble Funeral Service Location: Gamble Funeral Service 410 Stephenson Ave, Savannah, GA 31405 Lễ cầu siêu: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM Prayer Service: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM Lễ di quan: 2:00 PM Burial: 2:00 PM An táng tại: Greenwich Cemetery Interment: Greenwich Cemetery Tang gia đồng kính báo: Chồng: Nguyễn Văn Kiểm Trưởng nam: Nguyễn Khang, vợ và các con Thứ nam: Nguyễn Đăng Khoa, vợ và các con Thứ nam: Nguyễn Thiện Khải, vợ và các con Thứ nam: Nguyễn Quang Khánh, vợ và các con Thứ nam: Nguyễn Chí Kha, vợ và các con Xin miễn phúng điếu.