Obituary of Thuy Thornlow

“Once in a while amazing people come into our lives, and we are lucky if we realize it while they are still living.” Thuy Thornlow passed away peacefully in her home on Tuesday, January 17, 2012, in Springfield, Virginia. She is survived by her husband Bruce, and two daughters Kim-Ann and Alexis. Thuy Thi Nguyen was born on September 1, 1947 in Thai Binh, Vietnam. In 1954 she and her family fled the Communists from her home in the North to the safety of South Vietnam. During the years of 1965 – 1975 Thuy worked for the US Military in various capacities. In 1967 her 2nd job was with the 34th Engineer Battalion serving as Secretary to the Chaplain, where she met Bruce Thornlow, the Chaplain’s Assistant. They fell in love and became engaged. The engagement lasted nine years even while Bruce’s US Military Service obligation ended and he returned to the States to pursue a college degree. From 1974 – 1975 Thuy entered the University of Saigon, School of Law. Her studies were interrupted when Saigon fell to the Communists. In April of 1975, as Saigon was falling into the hands of the Communists, Thuy escaped with the help of the Americans she worked for, taking her Mother, younger sister, her older sister Kim and her 8 children, and another family of 4 – a total of 16 people in all. Thuy married Bruce in 1977 and they moved to Massachusetts together. There they had two children, Kim-Ann in 1978, and Alexis in 1981. From 1978 to 2012, Thuy worked for the Department of Health and Human Services for the states of Massachusetts, West Virginia, and Virginia. While raising two children and working full time, Thuy also received her Bachelor’s Degree from West Virginia State College in 2000. Thuy’s life would seem too short to many, but those who were touched by her understood that the quality of existence far exceeds the quantity of time in which one lives. She will be missed terribly by everyone who knew her. Visitation will be held Friday, January 20 from 5-9pm at Advent Funeral Home, 7211 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA. A traditional Buddhist ceremony will be held at Advent Funeral Home on Saturday, January 21 from 9-11am. Both services are open to everyone who would like to pay their respects. In lieu of flowers the Thornlow family requests donations be made in memory of Thuy Thornlow to: Capital Caring Philanthropy Department 2900 Telestar Court Falls Church, VA 22315 Memorial donations may also be made online at: www.capitalcaring.org/donate