Mimi Nin-Hua Wu

Mrs. Mimi Nin-Hua Wu (née Chi) passed away unexpectedly at the glorious age of 85, on Friday, July 20, 2018 at 7:20 pm. Mimi was born on August 21, 1932 in Nanking, China, the eldest of six children. The daughter of a diplomat, Mimi was the consummate hostess and trendsetter, always welcoming others with impeccable style and flair. Progressive and worldly, Mimi and her brother travelled halfway around the World to pursue academic excellence. As an undergraduate history scholar at Willamette University in 1955, she met her best friend and soul mate, Lawrence (Larry) Fu-Shan Wu. Mimi and Larry cultivated their long-distance love through countless letters and telephone calls, quickly building an inseparable bond. On July 28, 1956, they married, and from that point on, they were one unit, never apart. Mimi always had a happy demeanor on her face, easy to laugh at Larry’s sense of humor. They balanced each other perfectly. As a new wife, Mimi began graduate studies at Marquette University, but when their first child was born, she devoted her time to being the best mother and wife possible. Being a homemaker never thwarted her ambition and aspirations to empower her creative self. Mimi pioneered an ethnic cuisine program in the Fairfax County Adult Education, expanding into Arlington County. Later, Mimi had a successful career working at The Pentagon, The National War College, The National Catholic Education Association, and The Better Business Bureau. Mimi strove for excellence in all she did, and excellence came naturally to her. She was resilient and resourceful in the toughest of situations, equal parts integrity and strength. She wrote eloquently and fluently, with a gift for expression, and published both a Wu On Kooking and her memoir, What I Remembered Best. Always the life of the party, Mimi loved to host large gatherings, entertaining friends and family from all corners of the world with her fabulous cooking and heartfelt hospitality. Jet setting to far-off places with Larry was one of her passions. After over six decades as a deeply devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, her impeccable legacy lives on through those she graciously loved, following in her tiny, size-four footsteps. She is survived by her husband of over 61 years, Lawrence (Larry) Fu-Shan Wu; children, Irene (Paul Adams), Vivian, Larry, Jr. (Lori), Wm. “Duke” (LuAnn); 16 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; siblings John (Cecile), Richard (Fannie), Donald (Tien), George (Shelly), Micki (Kurt VanLehn); many loving nieces, nephews and life-long friends. A memorial will be held on Friday, July 27, 2018, from 1-5 pm at National Funeral Home, The Rappahannock Room, 7400 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA 22042.