Stefanie Shylohh Nguyen, 59, of Westminster, California, passed away peacefully at home on December 7, 2024, after a 4-year courageous battle with metastatic cancer of the colon, lungs, and brain. Her unwavering strength, radiant spirit, and immense love for her friends and family will be remembered by all who knew her.

Born on September 1, 1965, in Vietnam, Stefanie was the cherished daughter of Can and Le Nguyen. She grew up with a deep appreciation for connection and devotion to others, values that would define her life. Stefanie's journey took her to Virginia, Texas, and California, where she created a life filled with love, laughter — lots of twistie donuts and bún bò —  and purpose.

A devoted mother to Nicolette Tran, Kendall Tran, and Nicolette's husband Parker Lewis, Stefanie was also a proud and doting grandmother to Rockefeller and Lily Lewis. She is survived by her dear friend and co-parent, Ho Tran.

Stefanie had a gift for making every moment meaningful. Whether she was sharing her beautiful voice in karaoke singing, teaching English as a Second Language to her students all around the world, enjoying the waves over afternoon tea, eating the popcorn at Disneyland, or exploring new destinations like Banff, Thailand, Paris, Singapore, Malaysia, she poured her heart into everything she did. Her vibrant energy, warmth, and generosity left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Stefanie's life was a testament to resilience and joy. She lived by the words, "It's not about adding days to your life, but life to your days." She endured 8 cancer treatments and 2 clinical trials. She was devoted to using her cancer journey to help others with theirs. She lovingly considered herself a "white mouse", where she was committed to devoting her body to science — to help progress cancer research and ultimately save the lives of others.  Even in her final moments, she found peace in the simplicity of breath and presence with her 2 daughters.

Stefanie's extraordinary life will be celebrated and held at Chia Quan Am Temple in Orange County, where her ashes will be laid to rest. Her legacy of love and kindness will continue to live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who were blessed to know her.

As we say goodbye to Stefanie, we find solace in the quote: "What is grief? If not love persisting." Stefanie lived a life full of love, and her memory will persist as a beacon of light and inspiration for us all. Her last words that she wanted us all to remember:

"Life is short, unpredictable. Let go and make peace with yourself because that is how you will achieve inner peace and contentment. At the end of one's journey, what really matters most is just you and your breath."