Mai Luong Maurizio

Mai Luong Huong, better known as Mai Maurizio, passed away on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. Her name, Mai, carries the beauty of hoa mai, the yellow apricot flower. It was this flower that made yellow her favorite color. She was born in Vietnam in 1949 to a Vietnamese mother and a Chinese father who was a successful doctor. She grew up with a sister and an adopted brother, and became a mother while still in her teens. Her first six children, David, Robert, Theresa, Christine (Chris), Ruthie, and Mary, were all born in Vietnam. During the Vietnam War, she did everything possible to protect her children, including hiding all her children under mattresses as gunfire would erupt near them. She was a survivor that protected her children in those instances, as well as when she brought them to a whole new country.

In 1975, Mai came to the United States with her first husband, Ronald Jerome Shaner, and their children. They lived in New Jersey for a year, where Joanne was born. The family then moved to Texas, where Michelle was born. Mai’s second husband was Thomas Carl Tonsing, the father of Joanne and Michelle. When Mai was separated from some of her older children, she and Tom spent nearly five years searching before they finally found them. Later, in Florida, Mai had her youngest daughter, Leanne, bringing her family to nine children. For years, Mai worked two jobs to support her family, including time at a restaurant called Peg Legs, where she worked alongside her daughter.

Mai later married Carlo Leonard Maurizio, known to the family as Pops. During their marriage, Mai was able to stay home and raise her younger children. One favorite family memory happened during a drive upstate when Pops had given Mai some driving advice, telling her that if an animal ever ran into the road, she should hit the animal rather than swerve off the road. About ten minutes later, everyone suddenly found themselves thrown back in their seats as she accelerated. Naturally, Pops asked what on earth she was doing. As they looked ahead, they saw a group of ducks crossing the road. She calmly explained, “Well, you told me I should try and hit them!” Pops quickly clarified, “No, only if you had to!” It was one of those unforgettable moments that perfectly captured her personality and became a family story that will never get old. Another fun family memory is when Mai would get giggly over a couple of glasses of wine and sing “I’m in the Mood for Love” to Pops. She and Pops also loved the song “Red Red Wine.” Pops died in 2016.

While living in Orlando, Mai would often volunteer at a local high school, helping Vietnamese students who were just beginning to learn English. She translated for their families, too, and helped them adjust to life in the United States. She freely gave her time so students and parents could feel welcomed, supported, and understood.

During those years, Mai also worked hard to study for her citizenship test. She had been afraid of failing, but with more time at home raising her younger children, she was finally able to devote time to studying. After all her hard work and preparation, Mai became a United States citizen while Joanne and Michelle were in high school.

Mai loved Vietnamese cooking and a mani-pedi followed by a cocktail. Mai was especially pleased when someone asked how to make one of her favorite dishes, and she was happy to pass along the recipe. Sharing her cooking gave her family another way to stay connected to her and to the country where she was born.

Mai loved her nine children the best way she knew how. Her firstborn son, David, was always her boy and held a special place in her heart. As her children grew older, she continued to be there when they needed help, offering a place to stay, financial support, and care for their children. She kept family photographs close and stayed connected through phone calls.

In 2019, Mai moved in with Chris, who cared for her through the end of her life. Mai was a night owl, and Vietnamese music could often be heard playing loud from her bedroom. Mai looked forward to getting out to the senior center. She loved that place and the people she knew there, and she gave back through donations.

Mai’s family grew to include eighteen grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. On the day God called Mai home, the family welcomed a new life with the birth of Ruthie’s grandchild, Mai’s great-grandchild. Mai loved all of her grandchildren, and each carries their own memories of her. Corinne’s memories include a visit when she was little and told her grandmother, “Go home, Mema. You can’t be here.” She loved her grandmother, but thought the visit meant she might lose her mommy’s attention. Elyvia, known as Evy, remembers Mai giving her a diamond so she could have it made into a beautiful wedding ring. Lexi remembers taking her grandmother to San Francisco with her husband, James. Mai had always wanted to visit, and together they explored Chinatown on her first trip to the city. Her great-granddaughter Havynn called Mai her best friend. They played Yahtzee, and sometimes Havynn would zoom Mai down the hall in her wheelchair while they both laughed. Havynn could make her laugh with just a few words. Her granddaughter Mailee also has fond memories of Mai teaching her how to crochet, which she will always cherish.

In her later years at the care home, Mai still loved to dress up. She loved fashionable sunglasses, purses, matching outfits, and shoes covered in rhinestones. Her “bling-bling” shoes were part of her style. She was a diva. She spoke her mind, sometimes more bluntly than she realized, and she had a way of making people laugh.

Kacey Woart, known to the family as Banjah, cared for Mai for two years where she was living and grew to love her like his own mother. He would greet her with “Hey, Ma.” During Moving Groove, he helped her stand so they could dance together. He made her laugh and took good care of her, and Mai loved him like a son. In his tribute, he remembered her youthful spirit, her sass, and the outfits he thought belonged on a Hollywood red carpet. He treasured their bond and would miss even the days she kept him on his toes. Mai also cared deeply for the others who looked after her with such kindness. Randi showed her funny pictures and made her laugh. Jenny treated her like her own grandmother. Jana spent time with her and took her out for manicures and pedicures, something Mai always enjoyed. Their care and companionship meant a great deal to her.

Mai became a mother very young in life amidst a war, and had to figure out a great deal on her own. She endured pain, abuse, and long separations from her children, and she kept going. She loved her family the best way she knew how. After many years apart, her last years brought time together with her daughter Chris, who considers caring for her mother through the end a blessing and a privilege. Those who loved Mai will remember the music, the laughter, and the sparkle. Banjah pictured her still dancing somewhere, “dressed to the nines.”

A celebration of Mai’s life will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 12 noon at the Senior Center, 504 S Metcalf Rd, Louisburg, Kansas, 66053.

To share your memories of Mai or to send a special condolence message to her family, please visit the Guestbook below.