Nguyen Bich Thoa was born on February 9, 1933 in Hue, Vietnam. She accompanied her husband, Bui Quy Lan, a diplomat with the South Vietnamese embassy, to the United States in 1958, and they settled in Washington, D.C. Despite speaking no English at the time of her arrival, she was thereafter able to earn a Ph.D in Pharmacology from Howard University while raising her two young daughters, Cathy and Peggy. She had a distinguished career spanning over 30 years conducting research in neuropharmacology, most of which time was spent at the National Institutes of Mental Health and the US Environmental Protection Agency. She also taught at Georgetown Medical School and the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. While she was passionate about her work life, her greatest pride and joy were her beloved grandchildren, Tyler, Ashley, Nathalie, Emily and Elizabeth, with whom she traveled extensively but also enjoyed many local trips to dine and shop. She also derived tremendous joy from her garden and spending time with her family, friends and other loved ones, whom she continuously showered with love, friendship, devotion and encouragement. She was a kind, gentle and caring soul, with a beautiful smile, witty sense of humor and an infectious laugh, and all who knew her loved her dearly.
On Wednesday, November 24, 2021, the visitation and services below (scroll down) will be held for Dr. Thoa at Pacific View Legacy Chapel, 3500 Pacific View Drive, Corona del Mar, California 92625.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.pacificviewcalifornia.com for Dr. Thoa's family.
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