Mrs. Tien Thi Nguyen's Obituary
Tien Nguyen was born January 1, 1935, in Ninh Hoa, Vietnam. Her father passed away when she was at a young age. Her mother struggled to raise the family. Tien had to work in the market selling rice and did not get the opportunity to go to school. At the age of 18, Tien met Muoi Nguyen, and the two got married. Muoi was in the Navy, which required the couple to relocate often. They soon had six children. Muoi was away from home due to his assignments, thus, Tien had to make a living for her family. If her childhood wasn’t rough enough, her early adult life was spent building pig pins to raise the animals as a source of income.
She came to America in 1975 with her six children and husband. The family was stationed at Fort Smith, Arkansas but then settled in Loachapoka, Alabama for almost a year. Orange, Texas became their home ever since. During this time, Tien worked two laborious jobs to bring food to the table. Her days began at 8 AM and did not end until 11 PM. Although a majority of her time was spent working, she did not take the backseat when it came to raising her children. She constantly reminded them the importance of education and led them in the right direction. She was a role model for work ethics and respect for others.
After a couple of years, Tien was able to work fewer hours and maintain one job at a restaurant. Tien was adamant about helping her children and grandchildren financially with the little money she had. She also frequently sent money back home to her siblings. She continued to keep her job until a few years ago.
Tien loved visitors. Her eyes expressed great joy when anybody came over to the house. She always made her guests feel welcomed and was sure to have a warm meal prepared once they arrived.
Tien was a compassionate, loving person. She was strong-minded and determined. Anything she set her mind to was accomplished. We are all grateful to have Tien Nguyen as a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She has found a special place in all our hearts. We hold a deep pain for her loss and she will be greatly missed.
It has not even been a full year, yet I have faced such enormous loss in my life, experiencing the passing of both of my mothers. My biological mother I left in Vietnam as a young man so my mother in law has been the one who has raised me and taught me to be the man I am today. My mother in law has also given me the most loving and caring wife that any man could ask for and for that I will be forever grateful. My mother in law has left me with a big happy family which is priceless to me. Losing my mother was one of the most painful things I have experienced in my life yet losing my mother in law hurts just as much.
- Davis Tran
She was such a very determined, hardworking and giving person who loved her work and family. No matter what, she never said no if you needed something even if she didn't have much.
Mau Le
Dear Mother I will be late getting to Heaven's Gate I'm taking the scenic route again please leave the door open for me forever your son.
- Hien Nguyen
Grandma, the life lessons you taught me I will carry on with me for the rest of my life and will pass it on to my children. You led by example by always thinking of others before yourself and you never asked for anything in return. I always remember you telling me, “Grandma doesn’t need anything, just call me every once and a while and talk to me and that is enough to make me happy…” I will forever miss our evening chats on my way home from work. I know you are in heaven now resting in peace...
- Randy Tran
“Grandma, I remember the first time I met you. It was a “Hometown Date” when I was getting to know your grandson David. David led me to the back of Guadalajara where you were behind a wall, on a step stool and was cutting fajita meat. :-) You looked up and gave me the biggest smile and your face lit up so bright that I could never forget. I remember the last conversation we had together, less than 2 months ago at our Lunar New Year visit to Orange, TX in your home. You were in your room, weak and tired and you told me, “Listen carefully now. Don’t spend your time working too much to accumulate a big house and material things. Spend that time and energy to raise Good kids.” In a world where American dreams and the hustle and bustle of life can take over, this was a sweet reminder of what is important. And I thank you. You have raised Good children and I have inherited in that blessing by marrying your grandson and had 3 beautiful children and for that, I am always thankful for you. Grandma, we love you, we celebrate your life and your legacy and we promise to carry that on.”
- Gina Tran
You are an amazing woman. You raised your children in a restrictive country, brought them to America, and overcame cultural, language, and financial barriers to give them an education and opportunities to pursue their dreams. You worked hard every day of your life for your family. Whether it was cutting onions at the Guadalajara or praying for each child and grandchild each night before bed, you showed sacrificial and unconditional love. Your hard work, determination, sacrifices, accomplishments, and your legacy will be passed down to generations. Your great grandchildren and their great grandchildren will hear stories about your resilience and love. Thank you for being an incredible woman and a wonderful mother. We will always love you and remember you, our Bà (Cố) Ngoại. May your body rest in peace while your spirit rejoices with the Lord."
- Love, Steve, Alison, Addison, Avery, & Seth Tran
"You touched me even though we sometimes didn't understand each other, a language barrier is nothing compared to the love and bravery you communicated to me."
- Marcye Le
What’s your fondest memory of Tien?
What’s a lesson you learned from Tien?
Share a story where Tien's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Tien you’ll never forget.
How did Tien make you smile?
