Dr. Buu That Lien

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Bửu Thất Liên, age 84, who departed this life on November 2, 2026, in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Born in Biên Hòa, Việt Nam in 1941, Dr. Liên lived a life marked by devotion to family and medicine.

Dr. Liên earned his medical degree from Faculty Mixte de Médecine de l'Université de Saigon in Vietnam in 1971. He served honorably in the South Vietnam Army during the Vietnam War before opening his own medical practice, treating the sick and injured with equal devotion without regard for their background or financial means. On April 30, 1975, as Saigon fell, he gathered his wife, his parents, five young daughters, and younger siblings into a small wooden boat and headed to sea. After boarding a fleeing Vietnamese Navy ship, the family survived a harrowing, weeks-long journey across the South China Sea as refugees. They eventually transferred to American vessels in the Philippines before arriving in Guam and, ultimately, the United States.

While the beginning of this new life was deeply challenging, he met it with fierce determination. Though French-educated, Dr. Liên dedicated himself to mastering English while preparing for the rigorous examinations required of foreign-trained physicians to practice in the United States. Making a new home in Norfolk, Virginia, physicians in the community helped Dr. Liên pursue pediatric residency at Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters while members of Christian Churches provided moral and financial support to the family.

Completing his pediatric residency in 1981, Dr. Liên devoted his career to the health and well-being of children. He served as a pediatrician at DePaul Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters. Later, he founded Norfolk Pediatrics, maintaining hospital privileges at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital and other networks. His life in medicine became the fulfillment of his determination to rebuild, serve, and care for others.

A member of the American Medical Association, Dr. Liên also held a lively range of personal interests. He enjoyed a modest amount of travel and an appreciation for western, science fiction, and slapstick comedy entertainment. He spent happy hours solving intricate virtual puzzles. A thoughtful observer of life, he took great interest in the world at large, yet he was never more content than when quietly watching his family share everyday moments at home. He generously supported veterans, police, fire and rescue services, reflecting a lasting commitment to service and community.

Dr. Liên was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Liên Thất Trương and Đoàn Thị Thực, siblings: Liên Thất Nguyên, Liên Thất Báu, and Liên Thị Minh Nguyệt. He is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Hoa-Dung Liên; siblings: Judy Cúc Liên, Jason Liên, Liên Thị Kiều Liên, John Hậu Liên, and Alex Liên; his six daughters: Quỳnh-Giao Hall, Kim Liên, Mỹ-Linh Liên (Mark Hickman), Mỹ-Hạnh Liên (Don Farnan), Ngọc-Trang Liên (Cường Mark Nguyễn), and Liên Thị Minh-Tâm (Thomas Liên); fifteen grandchildren: Christopher, Nicole, Cory, Bianca, Veil, Alex, Ben, Cameron, Paige, Carmen, Julien, Ethan, Seth, Phoenix, and Matthew; four great-grandchildren: Amari, Noelle, Galilea, and Elijah; caring nephew Thu Lý; and many more nieces and nephews.

Dr. Bửu Thất Liên’s life was one of courage, persistence, gratitude, and devotion. He met extraordinary life challenges with determination and a commitment to those he loved and served. His legacy lives on in his family, in the patients he cared for, and in the community that welcomed him. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, November 15, 2026 at 11am at Smith & Williams Funeral Home:

4889 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23462

Visitation and viewing hours will be held Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at Smith & Williams Funeral Home.

Friday, November 13 from 4-8pm.

Saturday, November 14 from 1-5pm.

Sunday, November 15 from 10-11am.

A family burial will follow the service at Forest Lawn Cemetery at 12:15pm.

8100 Granby Street Norfolk, VA 23505