My Thu Phan-Ma

My Thu Phan-Ma, 41, of Sammamish, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2023, surrounded by family and close friends. Only known to family and the closest of friends, My battled cancer with courage and strength. She gave it hell in order to spend more time with “her boys”.

She was born to her father, the late Suoi Van Phan, and her mother Bay Duong on April 29th, 1982 in Saigon, Vietnam. My immigrated to the United States with her parents, older sister and older brother, when she was fourteen years old. My graduated from Roosevelt High School in 2000 and received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Computer Science in 2003 and a Doctor of Pharmacy in 2007 both from the University of Washington.

My married Art Ma on June 19, 2010 three years after they met at a Bollywood movie. Together, they began their lives together in Everett and resided there for 7 years before moving to Sammamish, where they currently resided for the past 6 years. My is survived by her beloved husband of 13 years, Art, her two sons: Isaac (age 10) and Luke (age 7) her mother, Bay Duong, three brothers, two sisters, 6 nieces and 5 nephews.

My grew up in an environment of modest means in Vietnam. In 1996, she left behind the hot humid environment of Saigon to the cool and cloudy weather of Seattle when she immigrated here with her family. She excelled in school despite learning English at the age of fourteen, knowing that it was the way she could break the cycle of poverty that she grew up in. She worked her way to many scholarships and honors during this time and earned the privilege of getting an internship at Microsoft while still in high school. Inspired by a sister who had passed away in Vietnam when she was young, My pursued a career in medicine. My had a sixteen-year career in pharmacy. She became of Director of Quality and Safety where she realized her passion of making sure patients had the highest-level of safety and quality while under her organizations medical care.

My’s compassion for others had no bounds. She was always willing to provide help or advice for family members, friends, and colleagues. Her smile and laughter made her a delight to be around. She made the world a better place with her positive attitude and view that everyone had the potential to do better for themselves and grow, just like her. She lived in the present and always reminded us that tomorrow is never guaranteed and to not put our dreams and goals off until tomorrow. My lived. She went on many travels and adventures and fulfilled many dreams. She had a passion for good food, travel, and real estate investment. She loved exploring new cultures with particular affinity for the tropics. She lived a life by design and it was the best life that the little girl from Saigon dreamed of for herself. She did it all for “her boys”, the loves of her life.

My will be cremated at Greenwood Memorial Funeral Home in Renton, Washington. A Funeral Service will be held for My prior to cremation on September 13th at Greenwood Memorial Funeral Home. Viewing will begin at 9:00 a.m. The Memorial Service will begin at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow at the Funeral Home after the service with refreshments and Vietnamese food provided by her family until 4:00 p.m.

A Celebration of Life Party for friends and family in honor of My’s life will be scheduled three to four weeks after the Memorial Service, with a To Be Decided date and location. More details to be provided by Art Ma and Ping Zeng when date and location are determined. Friends and family are invited to come share more fond memories and stories, food, drink, and general merriment in My’s honor at that time.

Special thanks to Dr. Chen and the staff at Seattle Integrative Cancer Center who provided hope to patients like My where others only provided darkness. Special thanks also go out to the members of “My’s Army” and the staff of Providence Infusion Pharmacy who showed their love by being there for My and her family and providing her the best care possible.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.greenwoodmempark.com for the Ma family.