Obituary-img

Anh-Thu Nguyen

October 1, 1980 ~ July 30, 2025

Born in: Tuy Hoa, Vietnam
Resided in: Miami, Florida

Light a Candle

Add a Memory to the Timeline

Tribute Video

Sign the Guestbook

Send Flowers

Memorial Tree Plantings

Anh Thu Thi Nguyen, a beloved wife, daughter, mentor, and trailblazer in the world of aviation, passed away on July 30, 2025, at the age of 44, while attempting to circumnavigate the globe in her Lancair IV-P “Amelia.” The mission was a bold tribute to her passion: raising awareness for diverse women in aviation.

Born in a small village in Viet Nam without electricity or running water, Anh Thu immigrated to the United States at the age of 12, sponsored by her oldest brother, Toai Nguyen through a Family Reunification Program. Arriving with no English, she soon not only mastered the language—but became valedictorian of her high school class. Nguyen studied at Purdue University, where she was ranked in the top ten female of Mathematics undergraduates as well as earned a Classic undergraduate degree, then subsequently completed a master’s degree in aeronautics and astronautics.  Anh Thu Nguyen did pursue a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering from Georgia Tech.

She forged a brilliant career at Boeing, Bombardier, and Gulfstream, each role a testament to her technical acumen and drive. She began flying lessons when she turned 18, often tutoring for 15 hours to afford one flight lesson. Her persistence paid off: she earned her private pilot certificate while working at Boeing, eventually rising to become a First Officer on the Boeing 767.

In 2018, she founded Asian Women in Aerospace and Aviation, a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting underrepresented women in the industry. In 2021, with her husband, Raphael Schütz, she co-founded a flight school at KHWO, shaping countless pilots—and earning the nickname “Mom” from her students, who found not just instruction but genuine care and community in her home.

Anh Thu loved to travel—every destination an adventure, a new runway, a chance to explore. She loved fashion—the way she dressed, her signature style, and how she carried herself with elegance and confidence.

She lived urgency. She lived persistence. “Impossible” was never part of her vocabulary. Her favorite motto, from Amelia Earhart, was:
“The most effective way to do it is to do it.”

Anh-Thu was a member of Ninety-Nines, Inc., an international organization of licensed woman pilots from 44 different countries. AOPA, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, EAA, Experimental Aircraft Association, and WAI, Woman in Aviation International, and of course her very own, Asian Women in Aerospace, a non-profit organization that empowers Asian women and young girls to reach their dreams in Aerospace and Aviation.

At home and in flight school, she built a home—not just a business—by opening her heart her home and her kitchen, sharing Vietnamese meals, and welcoming students into her life as family.

Anh Thu is survived by her husband, Raphael Schütz; her father, Than Nguyen; her mother, Thang Ta; her siblings, nephews, nieces, along with numerous aunts and uncles.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, from 4:00pm-7:00pm at O’Riley Branson Funeral Service & Crematory. A Celebration of Anh-Thu’s life will be held in the funeral home on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at 11:00am, with one hour of visitation prior to the start of the service. Burial will immediately following at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Greenwood, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Asian Women in Aerospace and Aviation (7201 S. Airport Road, #604, Pembrooke Pines, Florida, 33023), a non-profit organization that Anh-Thu created from the ground up, to continue the legacy she built with fearless love, persistence, and flight. (AWAA)  www.awa2.org

https://awa2.org/news/in-loving-memory-of-anh-thu-nguyen

Funeral arrangements entrusted to O’Riley-Branson Funeral Service & Crematory.

Services

Visitation: Tuesday, August 12, 2025
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

O’Riley – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory
6107 South East Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46227

Add to My Calendar America/Indiana/Indianapolis 2025-08-12 16:00:00 2025-08-12 07:00:00 Anh-ThuNguyenVisitation Visitation 6107 South East Street,Indianapolis, Indiana 46227

Show Location on Map

Visitation: Wednesday, August 13, 2025
10:00 am - 11:00 am

O'Riley - Branson Funeral Service & Crematory
6107 S. East St
Indianapolis, Indiana 46227

Add to My Calendar America/Indiana/Indianapolis 2025-08-13 10:00:00 2025-08-13 11:00:00 Anh-ThuNguyenVisitation Visitation 6107 S. East St,Indianapolis, Indiana 46227

Show Location on Map

Funeral Service: Wednesday, August 13, 2025
11:00 am - 12:00 pm

O’Riley – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory
6107 South East Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46227

Add to My Calendar America/Indiana/Indianapolis 2025-08-13 11:00:00 2025-08-13 12:00:00 Anh-ThuNguyenFuneral Service Funeral Service 6107 South East Street,Indianapolis, Indiana 46227

Show Location on Map

Burial: Wednesday, August 13, 2025
1:00 pm

Mt. Pleasant Cemetery
Greenwood
Greenwood, Indiana 46142

Add to My Calendar America/Indiana/Indianapolis 2025-08-13 13:00:00 2025-08-13 13:00:00 Anh-ThuNguyenBurial Burial Greenwood,Greenwood, Indiana 46142

Show Location on Map

View current weather.

Tribute Video

Memories Timeline

View the Timeline Add a Memory to the Timeline

Guestbook

  3. I pray that you are at peace now and rest assure that we here on earth will seek the truth and find justice for your early departure. We will always love you and cherish every memory. Fly high my friend, the sky is the limit.♥️

    Reply

  5. Dear Anh Thu, I have real respect for the way you followed your dream and made it happen. You died chasing your dream—not behind a desk, but up in the sky, doing what you loved. That takes courage.
    Safe travels, wherever you are now.

    Reply

  7. You will always be remembered for your kindness, bravery and inspiration and I will forever be grateful for the time we spent in the air together doing what we love the most. Everyone that had the pleasure of meeting you is heartbroken but I’m confident your spirit will forever remain strong with us. Rest in Peace Anh.

    Reply

  8. We are absolutely amazed by your accomplishments. We are so sorry you did not get to achieve your decades-long dream. RIP Anh-Thu.

    Reply

  9. Fly high! Your spirit will endure for many decades. You impacted so many people. You achieved so much and you were just getting started. RIP!

    Reply

  10. I met Anh Thu & Raphael at CAP meetings in Atlanta, PDK airport. I am amazed at what an incredible inspiration she was to so many — my deepest sympathy to Raphael and all her loved ones.
    Sincerely,
    Anirudha

    Reply

  11. Over the clouds, freedom must be borderless
    All your fears and all your sorrows, they say
    Remained unseen underneath, and then
    Whatever seems big and important to us
    Became vain and small.

    Reply

  12. Die Erinnerung ist das einzige Paradies, aus dem wir nicht vertrieben werden können.

    Reply

  13. Anh,
    I remember the day I visited Dragon Flight Academy. You showed me around the warehouse, the planes… and you took the time to teach me how to start up the Cessna 152. That day — honestly — was the best day of my life.

    I remember telling you, “When I grow up and have my pilot’s license, I’ll come back and show it to you.” I really believed that moment would come. I really hoped you’d be there to see it.

    When you showed me around that day, you didn’t just show me airplanes — you showed me hope. You showed me what it means to dream big. You made me believe that I could be a pilot too — that I should never give up on something I love.

    Thank you for everything you gave me in just one day.
    I will never forget you. I’ll carry your spirit with me, every step of the way.

    Reply

  15. Trailblazing pilot with a PhD, Anh Thu you will be missed. You broke barriers and inspired many, your legacy lives on

    Reply

  17. You were such a bright light in the world. Your impact will be felt for generations. Thank you for sharing your joy, passion, and experiences!

    Reply

  19. I met you at Oshkosh a few years ago and I was so impressed by you. After that, I flew with Raphael and he spent most of his time talking about you. You were definitely an inspiration to quite a few people. I loved your spirit and your enthusiasm. I have not met that many people in aviation that are like you. I will miss you, but I’m glad I met you and spent time with you.

    Reply

  20. Thank you for investing in me and helping me earn my instrument rating. Your support and guidance inspired me to become better. Rest in peace 🖤

    Reply

  21. Your strength, grace, and leadership lit the path for countless young Asian women. The inspiration you gave will echo for generations. Rest peacefully, my dear friend—you made this world better.

    Reply

  22. Anh Thu, your strength, grace, and leadership lit the path for countless young Asian women. The inspiration you gave will echo for generations. Rest peacefully, my dear friend—you made this world better.

    Reply

  23. To Teen’s family, I am
    In shock.….Your beautiful Sister earned her wings and is flying High! I never had the chance to meet her but everything I have heard and read she was absolutely cherished and so giving. My family is so sorry for your loss. Fly high in the blue skies beautiful lady 🙏🙏🙏

    Blessing and love,
    Rosemari , Julie (Mom ) and Bob .

    Reply

  25. Rest In Peace beautiful young lady. You made your mark in this world. You were a pioneer. Fly high with a tailwind at your six o’clock and fair winds and sunshine to your face. You will be missed by many.

    Reply

  26. Anh-Thu, I will miss having you next door to us. Sharing stories and breaking bread with our community. You will be missed by all. Wishing strength to Raphael and your family during this difficult time. Fly high…. Love, Rigo and Liz

    Reply

  28. You were a wonderful friend and a beautiful light in the world and in the aviation industry. I can’t believe you are gone. I miss you, girl. Fly high…

    Reply

  29. Anh Thu,
    Remember the day I met you after your speech at the Department of Transportation in D.C last May? Your sharing was so inspirational & emotional. We instantly became friends after that day. We’ve shared our chat from work to daily life, travel, even your lack of sleepiness due to night shift. I admire how determined you were to turn your solo- flight dream into reality. Despite of crazy work schedule, you committed to fly over to Bangkok for our brief meetup where you stories, flying passion touched many people there. I was so proud to have you as a friend. And I will be- forever. I have longed for the day we meet again in Germany or Miami but that day won’t come. Till the day we meet again.., Rest well, my friend.

    Reply

  30. Very saddened to hear this. I met her in Oshkosh many years ago when she was standing by her plane during a lull in the activities. She showed me her plane and told me of her history. She was such a personable person and full of enthusiasm. She was rightfully very proud of all she had accomplished, a true example of the American dream. She was one of the rare people you meet that feels like they were a friend from the moment you met them. She will be truly missed by all those in the aviation community that were fortunate to cross paths with her during her journey here. She leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire others. RIP

    Reply

  31. Although I never had the chance to meet Anh Thu in person, her kindness and warmth shone through every message and conversation we shared. She had a rare gift for making others feel seen, valued, and uplifted. I can’t begin to imagine the heartbreak her husband and family are enduring after losing someone as kind and beloved as Anh Thu — a devoted daughter and a wonderful wife.
    Please know that her presence left a lasting impact on my life. I mourn with you — not only in sadness, but in deep appreciation for the grace and love she brought into the lives of so many. Her spirit lives on in the hearts she touched, and especially in the love you continue to carry on her behalf. I’m so sorry that I’m unable to attend Anh Thu Nguyen’s funeral.
    May her soul be at peace and surrounded by the love that so many have for her.
    Though she has left this world, the kindness, love, and dedication she shared will live on forever.

    Reply

  32. I really admire you as a woman with a big dream who loves to fly, rest in peace Anh Thu, we all love you dearly !

    Reply

  33. Anh-Thu,
    Your passion for flight lit a fire in me, but it was your kindness, your grace, and your unwavering belief in my potential to believe in myself that truly made you soar. You weren’t just my instructor- you were my mentor, my inspiration, and a gentle force who reminded me to lead with heart. One of my deepest regrets is not having the chance to meet you in person. It felt like the harder I tried to get close, the more the enemy tried to steal that moment from me. But even in your physical absence, I feel your friendly spirit near- cheering me on like a dear friend who never left my side. I miss you deeply. Your legacy lives on-
    Forever grateful
    Christina

    Reply

  35. Todavía no puedo creer que ya no volveré a verte más … me quedaré con todos los buenos momentos que pasamos juntas… que por suerte fueron muchos. Lo único que me consuela en estos días tan raros es saber que te fuiste haciendo lo que te hacía feliz : volar…

    Reply

  36. Anh-Thu , ser de luz ✨. Te cruzaste en mi vida para inspirarme y transmitirme tu alegría de vivir y tu valentía por cumplir tus sueños. Siempre fuiste una persona auténtica y muy especial. Nunca olvidaré cuando me acogiste en tu casa junto a tu marido en Atlanta y también nuestras aventuras en Canadá . Gracias por tu generosidad y tu risa. No te olvidaré, vuela alto dònde estés preciosa❤️

    Reply

  38. Sorry Anh Thu we could not come for your service being all the way in California, we are thinking and missing you dearly. May you fly free and forever be at peace. Fly High Beautiful Angel.
    We are heart broken, but you are flying high and eternally happy now.

    Reply

  40. May this flame be a testament to the beautiful light you shared with everyone around you—a light that will never truly go out.

    Reply

  42. Anh-Thu,
    We can’t believe what happened.
    We met at USDOT when you were our amazing speaker. We hoped to see you at your training school in Miami. Now you can fly high in the blue sky with your dream.
    God bless and RIP.

    Reply

  44. We met Anh-Thu and Raphael in Atlanta while living in the same condo building. Anna, how we called her, immediately feel in love with our little daughter who was 2 at the time we met. We became really close friends during that time and both Anh-Thu and I shared the love for traveling, Yoga and walks in the park.
    You also made the best banana bread.

    Anh-Thu,
    You had a rare gift—the ability to make people feel seen, valued, and loved. Your kindness and free spirit were inspiring.
    Our daughter adored you, and it was easy to see why. You poured your love into her with the same joy that you shared with the world. For that, and for so much more, we will always be grateful.

    You will be missed!

    Reply

Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle