Hien Duong 26 June, 1979 – 6 December, 2023

Spice Girls NEU

From Spice Girls Thu, Van Anh, Trang and Lan Anh To Hien our dearest, There were five of us in our group of close friends when we met at the age of 18 at National Economics University in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam and a classmate jokingly named us as Spice Girls at that time. Until today, we could not believe that we have to farewell our dearest friend, Hien. One year and a half ago, Hien returned to her hometown in Hanoi, Vietnam and luckily five of us could arrange for a two day trip despite her busy schedules. We had fun together, wearing our Spice girls uniform which we have bought several years back, taking photos with each other and sharing lots of memorable moments, together. We even pledged that we would try to keep ourselves fit so that we can wear that uniform for taking group photos until we reach the age of 70 or 80. It is so heart breaking for all of us that Hien wasn't able to make it - to keep such of the promise we have made together, as a team. When five of us all met in Melbourne this August, Hien was so strong, very positive and very calm. She never made any complaints nor any grumbling despite her illness and her pain which she definitely felt inside. She was afraid of reducing us to tears, she was always caring for others like that. Hien was gentle yet she was the strongest person we have ever known. She had been very smart and so kind, which made people and friends around easily getting fond of her. Hien was an excellent and hard working student at university. She was determined and had always done everything with great passion and highest responsibilities. She gained Ausaid scholarship to study in Melbourne and together with Hoang, her husband they settled well in the country which she loved a lot. She loved her big family, Hoang and their children deeply. She was a devoted wife and mother and took good care of her beloveds. As close friends, we can truly feel the big affection she had for Henry Hoang, her classmate at university who is a great husband and farther and loves Hien so much in return. They are true soul mates who understand each other well. Hien often told us that she felt so lucky to have Hoang by her side and to have two amazing kids- Stephanie Thu Huong and William. We knew this day would come. We fully understand the cycle of life - birth, aging and death. Yet a strong part of us want to avoid the truth that Hien has departed. Kindly accept our sincerest condolences to Hien's family. As we remember Hien today, let us not only focus on the loss, but on the life she lived, the love she shared, and the legacy she leaves behind. Let us honor her by living our lives with the same kindness, strength and love that she showed us every day. Our dearest Hien, We will miss you, our beloved friend dearly and we are so grateful for having known you. You remain a part of our youth and will forever live in our hearts. Good bye, our dearest lady with the smiling eyes. May you rest in peace.