Nguyen Bacthi

Nguyen Bacthi 85, died of old age peacefully at her home on Sunday December 4th, 2016, in Des Moines, IA. She was surrounded by her family at the time of death. Service will be held on Saturday December 10th, 2016, 3:00 p.m. at Hamilton Funeral Home near Highland Memorial 121 NW 60th Ave., Des Moines, IA 50313.

Nguyen Bacthi was born on November 5, 1931 in Meuang Moui, Sonla. She was the second child of six children. She was preceded by her parents: Truc Baccam (father), Oum Bacthi (mother), Pha Trantha (second-mother), Chau Baccam (brother), Pheuang Bacthi (sister), Teuane Cavan (sister) and Duyen Baccam (husband).

She is survived by Sister Chat (Phong) Baccam; Brother Khamchanh (Cheng) Baccam; Sons Do (Dawn) Baccam, Khue (Soulichanh) Baccam; Daughters: Toui Xaycosy, Inkham (Khamphon) Dara, Inngeun (Khamsene) Soulinthavong; Grandchildren: Mickey, Gina, Anna, Jenny, Jon, Nicholas, Cody; Great Grandchildren: Aymara, Ryder, Levy, and Camryn.

Nguyen Bacthi grew up in Meuang Moui. As a child she loved sewing and crafting. In 1947 she was married to the love of her life Duyen Baccam. They lived a happy life in Meuang Tai for a several years. Unfortunately there were many political conflicts and wars during that period of time, she and her family had to leave the homeland. In 1952 Nguyen and family migrated to Hanoi. For 2 years she lived in the refugee camp in Hanoi. In 1954 when the French and Tai army lost to the Vietnamese at the battle of Dien Bien Phu, Nguyen and family had to leave Hanoi to Laos to find better life. She and family settled down in Xieng Kuang, Laos. After a short period of time in 1955 they moved to Banh Elay, Vientiane. In 1961 to banh Na Hai Deow, Vientiane. In 1965 to banh Hong Seng, Vientiane to be closer to all Taidam relatives.

For 20 years in Laos, Nguyen was able to settle down and called Laos her home. She worked for French families along the side of her husband and had planned to grow old and be buried there. However, life was full of surprises. Changes were the only certainty. In 1975 Laos changed its political practice to communism, she had to migrate as a refugee once again to Nong Khai, Thailand. She stayed in the refugee camp for 6 months. On November 17, 1975 she was able to resettle a new life in the United States of America, the land of opportunities and freedom.

Nguyen with very little education, but full of life experiences not by choice, and no English restarted her life in Des Moines, IA. She worked at Dickson Industry for 12 years. After retirement, she dedicated her life to care for her late husband and family. She basically raised all of her grandchildren. All of the obstacles, hardships, and challenges she faced did not make her a bitter person. On contrary she was more humbled and was strengthened by these difficult experiences. Her actions of love spoke louder than words.

Nguyen was a beautiful, graceful, loving, caring, dedicated, forgiving, soft spoken person. She always had a gentle smile on her face. Her love had touched many lives and she was loved by those who came a across her. She will forever be missed.

Condolences may be expressed at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

Print