Mai Dung Dang, 79

September 27, 1945 - May 20, 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Mrs. Mai Dung Dang, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, who left us peacefully on the evening of May 20, 2025, while being surrounded by her family who loved her dearly.

Mai Dung was a loving and kind soul whose warmth and compassion touched everyone fortunate enough to know her. She was a dedicated mother whose unwavering love and gentle spirit were the foundation of her family’s strength. Beyond her family, her generosity and kindness extended to all, always ready to offer comfort and support.

Her life journey was marked by courage and resilience. Born in Saigon in 1945, she was the daughter of the late Phi Van Tran and Doanh Thi Do. Fate guided her to her husband, Thao, in 1968 when both were volunteering with the Quang Duc Buddhist Center, helping the refugees from the Tet offensive. They were married in 1971, the same year that she graduated from Van Hanh University, with a degree in Finance. A few years later, their son, Thomas, was born. In 1975, following the fall of Saigon, she and her family bravely left Vietnam by boat, seeking a new beginning amid great uncertainty. This chapter of her life reflected her strength and hope, qualities she carried with grace throughout her life. She then had her daughter, Christine, and raised her children teaching them compassion, love and kindness. She shared the importance of hard work as they owned and operated Torii Japanese steakhouse, one of the first Japanese hibachi restaurants in Lancaster. She worked for various companies – RCA, GE, Burle and Herley before retiring in 2008. During retirement, she shared her love of arts and crafts with her grandchildren, explored the world with her husband, and reunited with old friends.

Mai Dung taught us that love endures beyond the bounds of life itself reminding us that “Hoa này tàn thì hoa khác nở” – when this flower withers, another blooms. Though she has left this world, her love and kindness continue to blossom in our hearts forever.

She will be remembered for her strength, kindness, wisdom, and the joy she brought to those around her. She leaves behind a legacy of love that will inspire her family and friends.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 54 years, Thao Pham Dang, and her two filial children: Thomas Dang and his wife Yen Quach, and Christine Vaughn and her husband David Vaughn. She will also be cherished by her two grandchildren: Daniel Vaughn and Elizabeth Vaughn, as well as her four sisters: Mai Hanh Tran, Mai Huong Tran, wife of Quyen van Nguyen, Mai Phuong Tran, wife of Takuma Nathuka, Mai Tram Tran, wife of Onno Prinsnen, and three brothers: Nguyen Hung Tran, husband of Le Hang Ha, Nguyen Tuan Tran, husband of Quynh Lien Dinh, and Nguyen Khang Tran, husband of Ly Mai Lu.

Services will be held on Saturday, May 24 2025 at 2:00 – 5:00 PM at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA with cremation to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Buddhist Association of PA in Columbia, PA or Namgyal Monastery in Ithaca, NY.