Maria Dinh Thi Nen

With profound sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of Maria Dinh Thi Nen on Friday December 6th, 2024, at the age of 82. Surrounded by the love and light of her devoted family, Maria left this world as gracefully as she lived.

Maria was the beloved wife of Thai Hoang for 62 beautiful years, a deeply cherished mother to Tina (Pat), Lisa (Joerg), Phong (Jocelyn), and Quoc (Hanh), and a treasured Bà (grandmother) to Ashley (Ryan), Amanda (Will), Nichole (Taylor), Justin (Jenn), Victoria, Jasmin (Chris), and Dominik. She was also a proud Bà Cố (great-grandmother) to Owen, Ayla, Hudson, Carter, Kai, and Shepherd. Maria’s love and devotion to her family were boundless, and her legacy will live on in their hearts and memories.

Born on August 15, 1943, in Thức Hóa, Bùi Chu-Nam Định, Việt Nam, Maria's life was a remarkable journey of courage and faith. In 1954, she moved to South Vietnam with her parents. In 1980, as a boat refugee, she sought a better life for her children, settling first in Germany and then immigrating to Canada in 1987, where her family made their home in Kitchener, Ontario.

A pioneer in her family, Maria was the first woman to receive higher education. Her strength, wisdom, and compassion shone brightly in every role she embraced: as a mother, wife, and best friend to her loved ones. She always placed her family’s happiness above all else, creating a home filled with love, laughter, and faith.

Maria’s unwavering Catholic faith was the cornerstone of her life. She had a great devotion for Our Lady, she practiced her faith daily and found joy in serving others. Her generosity knew no bounds, especially toward the poor and marginalized.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 13th, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Westmount Memorial Celebration Centre, 1001 Ottawa St S, Kitchener, ON N2E 2X5, followed by a Catholic Vigil Service at 7:00 PM.

The Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, December 14th, 2024, at 10:00 AM at St. Anne Parish, 268 East Ave, Kitchener, ON N2H 1Z4. Maria will be laid to rest at Parkview Cemetery, 335 University Ave, Waterloo, ON N2J 4A8.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of Vietnam Hamilton in Maria’s honour.

Maria’s kindness, strength, and faith will continue to inspire all who knew her. Her family takes comfort in knowing she is now at peace with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and watching over them with love.