Bong Thi MacDoran's Obituary
Bong Thi MacDoran
Bong MacDoran, entrepreneur, naturalist and lover of life, died on December 6, 2013. She was 47. Besides her indomitable spirit and determination, Bong had a sort of magic about her. A lively intelligence, a wicked sense of humor, an easy way of connecting with people, and an uncanny ability to get things done, all contributed to her being loved by many.
Perhaps it was the twinkle in her eye, her repeated triumphs over adversity, or the way she cared for those she loved– it’s difficult to pinpoint what made Bong so special. What is clear is that wherever she went, whomever she met, Bong and her story touched lives. Born Bong Thi Nguyen in a small village in the middle of the Vietnam War, Bong was severely injured and brought to the US for medical treatment. Ultimately she was adopted by an American family and remained in this country. Bong graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a degree in Biology in 1987. She enjoyed successful careers-in banking, rising to the level of Vice-President at Bank of America, in her own financial consulting firm, and in the eco-tour company she founded with her husband, Alvin.
Bong is survived by her husband and her adopted brother Michael, as well as a sister and two half brothers in Vietnam. She leaves behind countless friends and loved ones that will miss her warmth and joyous nature.
A memorial service will be held for her at 11AM Saturday, January 25th, 2014, at Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland, CA.
Those who wish to remember Bong may send donations to one of the following charities that she supported: East Meets West, Save the Children or The California Native Plant Society.
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