Fong Lin "Sue" Rougeau

Fong Lin “Sue” Rougeau April 15, 1937 – June 28, 2026 Fong Lin “Sue” Rougeau, 89, passed away on June 28, 2026, in Spring Valley, California. She was born on April 15, 1937, in Taipei, Taiwan. Sue’s life began during a time of great change in Taiwan. She grew up amid Japanese colonial rule, World War II, and the difficult political and economic shifts that followed. These experiences helped shape her strength, resilience, and wisdom. Though her formal education was limited, Sue possessed a sharp understanding of people and life. She had a gift for recognizing truth-tellers, fast-talkers, and opportunities—insights that came from experience, instinct, and determination. Sue met Birthnes “BJ” Rougeau in Taipei. After they began dating, BJ’s service in the Navy took him away for a time, but he returned to Taipei determined to see her again. Sue eventually agreed to marry him, and in 1970 she showed extraordinary courage by beginning a new life in the United States. With strength and hope, she faced a new country, a new language, and an unfamiliar way of life, while keeping close in her heart the family, son, friends, and city life she loved in Taiwan. Her decision reflected both her bravery, her hope, and her willingness to embrace the future she and BJ hoped to build together. Sue later liked to say that BJ had “tricked” her into leaving the city, where she could easily get around without driving, for life in rural Louisiana. Together, they welcomed their daughter Lisa Marie in 1971 in Point Mugu, California, and their daughter Jennifer Lea in 1977 in Mountain View, California. In September 1979, the Navy moved the family to Spring Valley, California, where Sue made it clear that she had found home and did not intend to move again. Even during a short period from 1990 to 1993 while BJ was stationed in Japan, Spring Valley remained her home. Throughout the years, Sue devoted herself to her home and family. She managed the household and cared for her loved ones through the many challenges of Navy life, including long deployments when BJ was away for months at time. Her steadiness, humor, and devotion became the foundation of her family’s life. She also found community among other military wives who, like her, had left their homes for love and for life in the United States. Over time, that circle grew as friends introduced one another, creating a close and lasting network of support. Those that knew Sue knew that food was her love language. Because she did not drive, going to the store to buy gifts was not always an option, but she could always prepare something delicious. Sue had a remarkable gift for turning whatever ingredients she had into wonderful meals. She could taste a dish and later recreate it from memory, relying on instinct, skill and an extraordinary sense of flavor. For special occasions, she would plan ahead, buying ingredients for the dishes she knew people loved and preparing their favorites with care. If you mentioned liking something even once, Sue remembered—and made sure to have it for you again. At special occasions, Sue often brought people together with a generous spread of Asian and American dishes, making everyone feel remembered, welcomed, and cared for. Sue is survived by her beloved spouse, Birthnes “BJ” Rougeau; her daughters, Lisa Rougeau and her spouse, Alejandro “Alex” Lopez, and Jennifer Rougeau and her spouse, Gavin Grant; her son, Yun-Liang Chuang, and his spouse, You Ying Jiang; her grandson, David Chuang; her granddaughter, Amber Chuang, and her spouse, Kyle Wang; and her great-grandson, Eddie Wang. A memorial visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Bravo Family Mortuary, 4427 Rainier Avenue, San Diego, CA 92120. Light refreshments will be available. Interment will take place on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at Miramar National Cemetery.