Donglian Sun

Cherishing Every Life, with Heartfelt Service.

Donglian Sun was born in Jiangxi Xiushui, China on August 19, 1942. From a young age, she was intelligent and ambitious. Defying traditional norms, she dedicated herself to her studies and excelled in school, becoming renowned in her town for her intellect and talent.
Although pursuing education was her childhood dream, her life shifted during the instability of the Cultural Revolution. In the years that followed, she sacrificed her personal aspirations, choosing love and family instead. She did everything she could to raise her children and stand by her husband in the face of persecution. Despite overwhelming hardships, she never gave up her pursuit of a better life.
In the 1990s, she came to the United States, supporting herself by answering Help Wanted ads in the newspaper. She traveled across the country working tirelessly at various jobs, as a waitress, a nanny, and a caretaker for the elderly. She eventually settled in Nashville, where she and her son co-founded a real estate company. When she wasn’t busy with work, she was hosting dinners for dozens of family members and friends in her home, which was always filled with the fragrant aroma of home-cooked food.
In 2014, she was diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer, but she never let her illness define her. She maintained a relentless drive to live fully, persevering through a series of difficult treatments. Throughout everything, she stayed true to her core beliefs, valuing hard work, integrity, and devotion to her family above all. She refused to stop working and serving those around her, even until the last days of her life.
She is survived by her husband (Shuqian Xu), three children (Gongyu Hsu, Xilin Xu, Caoyun Xu), and nine grandchildren, as well as numerous family members in China. Her wisdom and vivacity will be deeply missed.

Entrusted to the care of Madison Funeral Home. We extend our prayers to her family at this time.

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