Irene Dao

Irene Dao passed away on August 30, 2016 at the age of 85. She is survived by her loving children, Patricia Brangetto (Martial), Hoang-Oanh Dao (Arnold), Tolan Dao (Dave) and Christian Dao (Tuyen). Irene was born in Vietnam in 1931 to a family of five sisters and two brothers. She was very close to her sisters Janet and Olga. Irene is also survived by five grandchildren; Pascal, Marlene, Matthew, Jordi and Jessica. She was predeceased by her beloved late husband Lo Van Dao.

Irene and her husband were resident managers of an American Apartment complex in Saigon until the Communist takeover in 1975. Irene and her children moved to France for one year to escape the communists and then arrived in the US in 1976. They moved into N Edison St in Arlington. A home she has lived in until she passed last Tuesday.

In 1977 Irene and her husband started a laundry and dry cleaning business on Mount Vernon Ave in Alexandria. With a huge assist from Janet and the children assisting on weekends they made the business into a very successful venture. They retired and sold the business in 2000. Irene’s avocations were cooking (she was an outstanding chef) and History (she loved discussing WWII). She was an altruistic person always willing to help people in need. Irene enjoyed her retirement and was quite proud of her children and extended family at reunions. She had a full life with no regrets.

There will be a Vigil Service for family and friends in the National Funeral Home chapel at 1:00 PM, Monday, September 5th