Rep. Hoa Nguyen Memorial Service Remarks

November 17, 2025

To the legislators, distinguished guests, community members of House District 48, and to the family of Representative Hoa Nguyen — let us all take a deep breath, be present in this moment, and cherish this time together to remember Hoa and honor her life and legacy.

Hoa came to her service in the Oregon Legislature the same way she came to everything in her life – with passion, purpose, and an unshakeable commitment to others. Hoa spoke often about arriving in Portland at fifteen from Louisiana with a scholarship and a dream. And she made the most of her life journey. She truly did. Her journey embodied the very best of Oregon.

Hoa never forgot that a community of people was with her along the way, supporting her and inspiring her – and, yes, being with her at the end of her life when things were difficult and scary. She gave to others, and others gave back to her.

I know that many here today are so incredibly heart broken by Hoa’s passing – not just because you know what a great leader she was and the good things she was bound to do in the future – but because you were her friends, and you shared the ups and downs of the work of this building, and laughed and cried together about how you knew the world could be better, could be different.

In your grief, take solace in knowing Hoa will be with you. That her spirit will stay with you. Keep her dreams and her fight in your heart.

Representative Hoa Nguyen fought for a better future. She fought for housing investments for families struggling to have a roof over their heads. She fought for the best possible schools – and making sure students would show up every day and be welcome — and supporting families to help their children be in school day after day. She fought for the future of communities like hers in East Portland, where resilience and pride run deep.

When I sign bills into law, I try to take a moment to look at the sponsors and co-sponsors of the bills. I also get to sign fancy parchment copies of bills to share with legislators and bill supporters.

I just want to say – I loved signing Representative Nguyen’s bills. She worked on issues that will bear beautiful fruit for years to come. She changed lives with her work. She made a difference.

To Hoa's family: Your loss is profound, and our words cannot take away that pain. But I want you to know that the work that Hoa did made House District 48 – and all of Oregon – a better place. She worked hard to make our state more just, more compassionate, and more committed to the families who need us most.

Representative Hoa Nguyen will be missed. Her smile. Her joy. Her determination. Her fierce advocacy. Her unwavering belief that everyone deserves a path forward. Let us honor her memory and go forward together. Thank you.