This past April, Hien Thi Nguyen celebrated her 100th birthday with family and the staff of the ACC Care Center. Affectionately called Grandma Hien, she is a prime example of the perseverance of the human spirit. Born in Hanoi in April 1923, her life journey has been filled with challenges and heartache. With the love and support of family, she has persevered through it all.
Hien was working in a clothing factory when she met Nguyen, the love of her life. They married in 1941. Their early years together were a happy time; they spent many hours nurturing their rose garden. To this day, red roses are still her favorite flower.
Then the Great Vietnamese Famine of 1944-1945 occurred. Nguyen would leave home for weeks in search of work and food. Home alone, Hien found solace in caring for neighborhood children while their parents sought work. Having lost twin daughters early in her marriage, Hien treated these children as if they were her own. She was an early recycler, sewing pillows and blankets for the children from old clothing.
Tragically, her husband died in 1950. She and her two sisters sought refuge in South Vietnam. Hien and her older sister, Thom, found work in a local restaurant bar. In 1970, Hien adopted Ngoc, a two-year-old girl. Ngoc’s parents were an American soldier and a Vietnamese woman. In 1975, she adopted her niece’s son, Trung Chau, who suffered from cerebral palsy and mental deficiencies.
Thom and her family left Vietnam in 1984 and eventually settled in South Sacramento. In 1990, Hien was 67 years old when she and her two children arrived in California. The family settled in a neighborhood not far from other members of Thom’s family.
After settling into life in the U.S., daughter Ngoc Nguyen went to beauty school and opened a nail salon. At age 91, the family realized Hien was unable to live alone. Ngoc sold her business and became a full-time caregiver for Hien.
Grandma Hien has been a resident at the ACC Care Center for the past four years. The family is grateful for the compassionate staff and quality of care given to her. Grandma Hien enjoys the social activities offered, pet therapy, and outings with her family.
Having unconditional love and support of her family has been a constant pillar of strength that has carried Grandma Hien through her 100-year life journey. In recognition of this achievement, City Councilmember Rick Jennings presented her with a very special birthday gift – a key to the city.
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