Dang, Mai (Vu Thuy Mai)

Mai Thuy Vu Dang was born August 25, 1937 in Hanoi, Vietnam.  She died peacefully in her Dallas home on April 22, 2020 at the age of 82.  Mai was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.  She can also be described as a woman of great perseverance, grit, dignity, love, and kindness.  These virtues were on display during her battle with breast cancer, where she rarely mentioned being in pain.  Mai spent her final days only speaking of her family and loved ones. Mai was the 4^th child of Vu Nhu Dinh and Nguyen Thi Cong.  Her main interest at a young age was music.  Mai was accepted into the Hanoi Music Academy after high school.  She later became a music teacher for 13 years at the Vietnam School of Music.  It was during this time that she was married to Hong Dang.  Hong was the dean of the Vietnam School of Music.  Mai and her family faced harassment in Vietnam because of Hong’s Chinese descent.  The political problems between Vietnam and China caused the family to leave.  Late one evening, they joined several others on a boat and fled to Hong Kong.  Mai and Hong wanted a better life for their family.  Mai lived in Hong Kong for 2 years before she was approved to move to the United States in 1979.  Mai and her family moved to Louisville, Kentucky.  During this time Mai worked in restaurants until her family opened their own in 1985.  They named the restaurant, Lucky Dragon.  The first Chinese restaurant in LaGrange, Kentucky.  Mai operated this restaurant with her family for 21 years.  This is when Mai’s qualities were on full display.  Mai’s caring nature was felt by everyone she met or worked with.  She always made sure her staff was smiling and fed; nobody left hungry.  This was one of the reasons she was given the nickname, Mom. Mai made a lasting impression on the community before retiring in 2006.  Mai relocated to Dallas, Texas to be closer to her grandchildren and family.  Mai was an active member of the Vietnamese Senior Center.  She was a part of their community service program for over 10 years.  Out of all her interests and accomplishments, Mai’s dedication to her family was the most important.  She was a devoted wife to Hong.  She took care of him until his last days.  Mai became the head of the family.  She was always there when needed and never hesitated to do anything for her family.  In addition to her husband, Mai is preceded in death by her parents; her brother Vu Son; her sister Vu Lan; and her daughter Huong who passed away at the age of 13.  She is survived by her brother Vu Hai; son Nam Dang; her son Long Dang; her son Chi Dang; her daughter in-law Hang Dang; her granddaughter Nancy Dang; and her grandson Vincent Dang. Mai will always be remembered for her strength, her unfailing desire to help others, and boundless love for her family.  The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the Vietnamese Community Center, Faith Presbyterian Hospice, the Oldham County community, and to all the family friends that have shown support.  Mai will be cremated and her ashes will be placed along side her husband at the mausoleum in the Chua Dao Quang Buddhist Temple located in Garland, Texas. Please leave the family condolences and share memories on this website.  

Arrangements under the direction of:

Aria Cremation Service and Funeral Home

19310 Preston Road

Dallas, Texas 75252

(214) 306-6700