Yen Thi Che

Yen Thi Che, born August 9, 1929, in Hue, Vietnam, peacefully passed away on February 13, 2026, at the age of 96. In her final moments she was surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, a comfort that reflects the deep family bonds she spent a lifetime nurturing.

A strong and resilient woman, Yen lived through the Vietnam War and rebuilt her life after immigrating to America. She grew up in poverty as the oldest child, helping care for her younger siblings from an early age. Her mother relied on her to help the family survive—peddling rice in the market, walking long distances to fetch water, and carrying heavy pails home. These hardships shaped her quiet strength and sense of responsibility that stayed with her throughout her life. With very little, she always put others first and met challenges with determination, never accepting “no” when it came to caring for her family.

Although she had little formal education, she flourished as the wife of the country’s Minister of the Interior. She often told the story of a time when she was expected to give a speech in front of a large public audience. She rose to the occasion, delivered it with confidence, and carried great pride in that moment for the rest of her life, retelling the story often with a smile.

As the eldest, and alongside her husband, who was also the oldest in his family, they not only raised their seven children but also helped raise younger siblings. Despite the many responsibilities they carried, their home was always open. Relatives arriving from near or far knew they would be welcomed with warmth, a place to stay, and a shared meal. Their house was a constant gathering place, full of life, stories, and generosity.

She was known for her generous spirit, her devotion to family, and the simple, heartfelt ways she showed love. Her cooking—especially her fried rice—was legendary, a dish that always hit the spot after a long day of school or work. She also had a special love for the games of Four-Colors Cards and Mahjong, games that she played with both skill and enthusiasm. The family knew that sitting down at the table with her meant equal parts laughter, strategy, and friendly competition. Whether feeding those she loved or winning a well-earned round, she found joy in bringing people together.

She is survived by 6 children, 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. The family finds comfort knowing she has reunited with her loving husband, Buu Vien. They are grateful for the time shared and the chance to say goodbye. Her memory will continue to inspire and comfort those who loved her.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contribution may be sent to Chua Di Da temple, Annandale, Virginia.

Thứ Tư 25 tháng 2 năm 2026 - Wednesday February 25, 2026

10:00: Phát Tang cho gia đình - Family Prayers Service

02:00 - 04:00: Khách thăm viếng - Visitation

Thứ Năm 26 tháng 2 năm 2026 - Thursday February, 2026

10:00: Khách thăm viếng - Visitation 2:00: Di Quan - Funeral Procession 3:00: An Táng - Burial Ceremony