Lillian H. Dang

Lillian H. Dang was born Huynh Le Diep on May 30, 1959 in Cambodia to Huynh Van Hoach and La Thi Huon. She was the long awaited daughter her mother had hoped and prayed for, as well as the youngest of many of her parents’ biological and adopted children. At age 9, Lillian and her family fled to Vietnam to escape political turmoil and warfare. When war further plagued Vietnam in 1978, Lillian was forced to leave behind her parents and most of her family to seek refuge in the United States. She met her husband, James Ngai Dang, a SJSU student volunteer at the time, while frequenting a supply center for refugees. They bonded through their common experiences, supporting and caring for each other as they established their lives in the United States. Their love grew with time and they married 6 years later, from which they gave life to 4 children: Emerald, Galenstein, Pearlynn, and Brianstein.

Lillian was a successful businesswoman, entrepreneur, philanthropist, activist, sister, wife, and mother renowned for her business acumen, resilience, resourcefulness, ferocity, compassion, and incredible commitment to humanitarian and emergency relief efforts. From the time she first arrived in the United States as a teenager, she worked tirelessly to achieve the coveted “American Dream.” Her success enabled her to sponsor and support her remaining family in Asia, as well as the Asian American community. Lillian’s ever-expanding social network, talent, charisma, and language fluency in English, Vietnamese, multiple dialects of Chinese, and Khmer allowed her to effectively campaign, orchestrate major events, and raise large sums of charitable donations for a multitude of political, socioeconomic, ethnic, cultural and religious affairs that would positively inspire and uplift the community. She was notable for curating entertaining and impactful spectacles of singing and dance performances that both celebrated her love for her ethnic and cultural heritage, and her American citizenship. Lillian also served as a distinguished member and partner of countless community organizations and groups, carrying out many influential roles with: Huyen Khong Monastery, An Lac Temple, Duc Vien Buddhist Temple, An Giang Association, Silicon Valley Chao Chow Community Center, VNARP, Tieng Mo Bac Cali Radio Station, Friends of Hue Foundation, Vietnamese Cultural Tet Committee, Bach Dang Navy Association (Hoi Hai Quan Bach Dang), Police Association (Hoi Canh Sac), San Jose Welcoming of Jade Buddha for Universal Peace, Que Huong Media, Quang Tri Monument and many more.

Lillian’s engagements, achievements, and positive influences on the world are too numerous to recount, which is testament to the unparalleled legacy she has left for her children, family, and community. She committed every ounce of her strength, ability, and breath to raising her family, persistently amplifying their voices and significance within the community, and never wavering despite falling ill and receiving her grave diagnosis in March 2022. Following a fierce and relentless battle with lung cancer, Lillian passed away on December 8, 2022 at 2:19 AM surrounded by her husband, sister, and children.

Her kindness and venerable spirit will be forever cherished by her family, friends, and communities she has touched. From her children: “All that we are, or ever hope to be, we owe to our dear mother.” “And when we feel weak or unpretty, we know we are beautiful and strong, for we see ourselves like our mother does.”

Lillian is survived by her husband James Dang, children: Emerald, Galenstein, Pearlynn, Brianstein and Paul, grandchildren: Atlas, Kai, Jaslynn, and Kaylynn, brothers: Hai and Howard, sisters: Thon and Ty, and many nephews and nieces.

Visitations for Lillian will be held Friday, January 13, 2023 from 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM; on Saturday, January 14, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM; and on Sunday, January 15, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM at Oak Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 300 Curtner Ave, San Jose, CA 95125. A funeral service and witness cremation will follow on Sunday, January 15, 2023 starting at 10:30 AM.

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