Hương Bửu Brewster passed away peacefully on August 12, 2025 in New Canaan, Connecticut, at age 84. Bửu was admired for her strength and her fiery spirit, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew her.
Hương Bửu Brewster
Born on September 6, 1940, in Vietnam, Bửu was the youngest of seven children and the daughter of a civil magistrate. She lived through a tumultuous era in her homeland, working for the U.S. Embassy in Saigon, where she met her husband of 43 years, Donald Charles Brewster, the last U.S. Cultural Attaché. In the waning days of the U.S. Mission in 1975, Bửu fled Vietnam with her two children and Donald departed on the final helicopter with the U.S. ambassador, aiding Vietnamese family and allies in their escape from communism. The family’s youngest, beloved brother, Nguyễn Đình Phúc, closest in age to Bửu and a company commander in the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN), endured reeducation camps and tragically died attempting to escape. As the last of her generation, Bửu was, in modern terms, an apex survivor—rising above war, displacement, and loss to forge a vibrant life.
After arriving in the United States, Bửu devoted herself to creating a busy and supportive home, deeply rooted in family traditions and values. Bửu (or Linda as she was known to American friends) became the original matriarch of her family’s American journey. She wove her heritage into her new life, sharing stories of Vietnam and teaching her children and grandchildren the importance of resilience and family. Her passion for cooking shone through in her legendary chả giò, baby back ribs, and Bún bò Huế, which brought loved ones together around her table. Bửu tended her orchids and plants with a singular passion, a reflection of her nurturing spirit. Her love for her eight grandchildren knew no bounds, enriching their lives with stories, meals, and advice.
Bửu supported her family’s education and military service, took pride in their accomplishments, and found solace and purpose in her Buddhist practice. Her love extended to her many nephews, nieces, grandnephews, and grandnieces across the country and around the world.
Bửu was predeceased by her husband, Donald Charles Brewster, in 2009. She is survived by her children, Donald Charles Brewster, Jr. and his wife, Michelle Ann Brewster, and MyLinh Brewster Shattan and her husband, Mark David Shattan; and her beloved grandchildren, Alexandra Ann Brewster, Donald Charles Brewster III, Nolan Charles Brewster, Josephine Ann Brewster, Quincy Charles Brewster, Cara Linh Shattan, Mark Davis Shattan, and Norah Bửu Shattan.
A Buddhist funeral ceremony was held on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 9:00 AM at Hoyt Funeral Home in New Canaan, led by the Venerable Sư Sán Nhiên. In keeping with Buddhist tradition, a 49-day memorial ceremony will take place at the Catuddisa Sangha Vihara on September 30, 2025.
Hương Bửu Brewster’s life and her presence will remain in the hearts of those who loved her. The family extends its heartfelt gratitude for the prayers, kindness, and support shared during this time of loss.
For online condolences please visit www.hoytfuneralhome.com.
Such a striking life! This woman was at the center of world events and successfully transitioned to a completely new land and culture.
Thank you for your kind comment. Six of her grandchildren are in the US Army with three of them from New Canaan. Her life taught all of us that freedom is not free.