Ut Thi Vo

While it is possible to receive good counsel from a wide circle of family and friends, few could do it with the skill and aptitude of Ut Thi Vo. She had a true talent for helping others reach their full potential and brought out the best in those who sought her help. Ut was a forward-looking woman whose personality was filled with empathy toward everyone she met. She could be quiet and reserved, but her style of communication was authentic and direct. An excellent communicator, Ut was a master at using imagery when she explained her ideas and concepts. She seemed to have an endless supply of innovative concepts and strategies for how to help those around her. Her sensitivity, kindness and generous attitude made her a wonderful friend for all who knew her.

From the time she was born on March 28, 1931, Ut showed a deep concern for others. She was a giving and caring individual, ethical and full of integrity and warmth. Ut came into this world at My Tho Hospital in My Tho City, Vietnam. Her parents were Tu Vo and Det Nguyen. Ut was raised in My Tho City and Saigon, Vietnam.

Because fellowship was so important to her, Ut promoted harmony with her siblings. She was raised with six siblings. She had three older brothers and three older sisters. Ut was something of the family diplomat. She helped to settle problems and conflicts and kept the family running smoothly.

As a young girl, Ut interacted well with other children. She was helpful. She was an independent person who had a vivid imagination. Ut had a number of interests in her youth. She was an active child. Ut took part in badminton and was a member of the Buddhist Association. In her spare time she liked watching movies and hearing fairytale stories.

Ut was romantic, even poetic at times. She was completely devoted to family and friends, able to show her emotions without going overboard about it. In 1949, Ut exchanged wedding vows with Be Ngoc Doan at home in Saigon, Vietnam.

All who knew her would agree that there was a certain kind of magic in how Ut was able to bond with her children. While she could be a firm disciplinarian, she could also fill the role of being a collaborator with her kids. Ut was always a mentor who helped her family reach its full potential. Ut had nine children: four sons, Thach Ngoc Doan, Tu Ngoc Doan, Hien Ngoc Doan, and Toan Ngoc Doan; and five daughters, Thu Van T. Doan, Thu Nguyet T. Doan, Thu Cuc T. Doan, Thu Lan T. Doan, and Thu Phuong T. Doan. She was blessed with twelve grandchildren, Vivian Doan, Thu Thao Tran, Hieu Tran, Anh Thu Do, Anh Minh Do, Anne Nguyen, Julie Nguyen, Linda Doan, Jaden Doan, Kevin Doan, Steven Doan, Austin Doan. Ut was also blessed with one great grandson, Aaron Do.

Ut projected a subtle but positive influence in her workplace. She was comfortable working behind the scenes to help everyone get their job done, and she worked hard at all times to help others to reach their highest potential. While her colleagues did not view her as a high-spirited type, Ut was effective at working with others to gain acceptance for her ideas. Ut could be a perfectionist at times, but wasn’t one to seek out personal recognitions. She possessed excellent insight and a strong ability to meet schedules. She was an innovator who worked well independently, and she enjoyed the task of meeting a constant array of challenges. Her primary occupation was as a bank officer. She was employed for 8 years by a French bank.

As an imaginative and inventive person, Ut was comfortable showing her creative spirit. She enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Once Ut took on a new project, she saw it through to its completion. Her favorite pursuits were watching movies and shows. She was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

Ut was one who put forth her best effort in every aspect of her life, and that carried over to her participation in sports as well. Her sense of diligence inspired others and in turn drew best efforts from her teammates. In high school, Ut played badminton. Recreational sports included badminton. Ut was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were tennis and soccer.

Ut was a woman with clear convictions and high principles, and her faith was important to her. She was an inspiration to many people who recognized her sense of commitment and esteem for others. She was a member of Duyen Giac Temple for 14 years.

Ut possessed strong skills in long-range planning and project completion, a quality that positively influenced her travel and vacation planning. Favorite vacations included going to the beach and Las Vegas.

Ut was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Ut's favorites was Tiny, a toy Poodle dog. They were best friends for 14 years.

As someone who treasured harmony and quiet, Ut accepted retirement and made the most of it. That day finally came in 1956, and Ut was well prepared. In retirement, she found new pleasure in watching movies, traveling, and praying and helping out the temples.

Ut passed away on June 18, 2010 at O'Connor Hospital in San Jose, California due to heart failure and kidney problems. She is survived by her children, Thu Van Doan, Thach Doan, Tu Doan, Thu Nguyet Doan, Thu Cuc Doan, Thien Doan, Thu Lan Doan, Toan Doan, and Thu Phuong Doan; and her grandchildren, Thao Tran, Hieu Tran, Vivian Doan, Anh Minh Do, Anh Thu Do, Anne Nguyen, Julie Nguyen, Linda Doan, Kevin Doan, Steven Doan, Jaden Doan, and Austin Doan; and her great grandson Aaron Do. Services were held at Oak Hill Funeral Home in the Lotus Room.

Though she could be a private person at times, Ut was always able and willing to give of herself. She was so in tune with others that she often seemed able to read their minds. Ut carried with her an almost mystical sense of life. She was a person who was highly original in her thinking and used metaphors and symbols to describe many aspects of her life. A poetic, intuitive “teacher”, Ut Thi Vo shared herself freely and family and friends will remember Ut for the strength of her convictions.