Remembering Kiều Vân: A devoted mother, enthusiastic journalist, and beacon of positivity

Nguyễn Kiều Vân (second, right) together with colleagues at Việt Nam News. — VNS Photo Trương Vị

HÀ NỘI — Nguyễn Kiều Vân, a senior journalist at the Home News Desk of Việt Nam News, passed away on September 7, 2024, at the age of 51, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Hà Nội in 1973, Vân graduated from the English Language Department of Hà Nội University in 1996. She joined Việt Nam News the following year, working in the Domestic News section where she translated Vietnamese news into English for the publication. In 2009, she transitioned to the International News section, responsible for selecting and editing global news for the international pages. In 2015, following the merger of the Domestic and International News sections into the Home News Desk, Vân took on dual responsibilities—reporting on domestic political and current affairs, while also curating international news.

Vân dedicated 26 years of her life to Việt Nam News. In May 2023, she was diagnosed with cancer and took leave for treatment. Despite her strength and the efforts of her medical team, she passed away after facing the illness with courage and dignity.

Nguyễn Kiều Vân at the 31st anniversary of Việt Nam News in June 2022 at Ngon Garden Restaurant in Hà Nội .— VNS Photo Đoàn Tùng

Her passing has deeply saddened her colleagues. Vũ Thu Hà, former Assistant Editor-in-Chief at Việt Nam News, said: "In my eyes, she was always joyful, optimistic, and full of energy. Like everyone, she must have faced her own ups and downs, but through her outward appearance, she always projected joy, love for life, and a carefree spirit. Even upon learning of her terminal illness, she remained positive, strong, and hopeful about the future. I truly admire that and was shocked by the news of her passing so suddenly. I will always remember her as a vibrant, youthful woman with a bright smile."

Nguyễn Thị Thu Hằng, a senior journalist in the Home News Desk, shared her grief: "Her passing still leaves me stunned and heartbroken. She joined Việt Nam News a few months before me, and the 26 years we spent together at the newspaper were filled with shared joys, sorrows, and life’s worries. Despite the everyday struggles, she was always cheerful, loving life, and knew how to enjoy it. Even in her illness, she remained remarkably optimistic. Her resilience was truly admirable. I will always remember her smile and her optimism. I miss her deeply."

Another colleague, Vũ Khánh Linh, recalled: "I saw she was always so joyful and positive, but I didn’t know the difficulties she silently endured. She hid her struggles, illness, and family troubles, wanting everyone to see her as cheerful and optimistic. Even in her most tired moments, she remained incredibly positive, always wanting to spread that energy. It was rare not to smile around her. Rest in peace, our sister."

Nguyễn Thu Hằng, also from the Home News Desk, reflected on Vân’s strength during her illness: "Goodbye, Kiều Vân. To me, you were always humorous, optimistic, and skilled at handling both work and life issues. When we visited you earlier this year, you remained cheerful and optimistic, making me think your treatment was going well. But perhaps you were just being strong, not wanting to show weakness. You were so brave! Rest in peace, our beautiful Kiều Vân."

At her memorial service, her colleagues shared memories of her. Nguyễn Khánh Dương, a journalist in the Home News Desk, said: "To us, she was always the most cheerful and optimistic in the room. It was a habit to think of her as just ‘taking a temporary break.’"

Nguyễn Bích Hường recalled hearing about Vân’s illness: "I learned about Vân’s health issues when a friend told me that her mother was in the same treatment room as Kiều Vân. My friend said Vân was very friendly, open, and maintained an optimistic spirit. She comforted and encouraged other patients, brightening the atmosphere in the room. To me, Kiều Vân was someone who balanced work and family perfectly—a wonderful mother, always present for her children."

Vũ Thu Trang added: "Vân had the maturity and experience of someone who had lived through much. She was a devoted wife and mother, and a sharp, skilled journalist. Her warm, radiant face and her bright smile will be remembered forever. Rest in peace, our sister."

Nguyễn Kiều Vân is remembered by her colleagues and friends as someone who brought joy and energy to those around her. Her professionalism, warmth, and resilience will leave a lasting legacy.

Rest in peace, Nguyễn Kiều Vân. VNS

The Việt Nam News team.