Teresa (Terri) Anne Holladay

Teresa Anne Holladay, known to her family and friends as Terri, sadly passed away on December 27, 2023, at the age of 55 in Hong Kong. She was a beautiful, extraordinary woman who led a remarkable life and was loved by many.



Terri was born on March 13, 1968, in Saigon, Vietnam. Her journey began during the Vietnam War when her father, who served in the U.S. Army Special Forces, met her Vietnamese mother. Their love story brought them four daughters, and Terri was one of them. In 1973, she and her family immigrated to the United States, settling in Daytona Beach, FL.



Terri's life was filled with adventure as she traveled the world, embracing different cultures along the way. She began her career in modeling and was recognized as one of the most beautiful Asian women in the world by Singapore's Her World magazine. Her talent and elegance led her to be featured in magazines such as Elle, Vogue, and Marie-Claire. She worked with brands including Christian Dior, Gucci, Cartier, Lancome, Max Factor, and La Perla. She was an ambassador for Dutch appliance makers Princess. In 2004 she and her son, Roman, worked with the Royal Thai Army to distribute cooking products after the Tsunami.



She was glamorous, gracious, and generous. Terri had a passion for cooking and designing handbags. She loved animals, particularly elephants. And Terri deeply loved her two loyal golden retrievers, Summer and Hope.



Children held a special place in Terri's heart, and she spent time in orphanages throughout Vietnam. However, her greatest love, was for her son, Roman, who she adored. Terri also loved her husband, Paolo, very much. They were together for over 15 years when he lost his battle to cancer in 2018. It was her wish to one day be reunited with him in heaven.



Terri is survived by her son Roman Chao, her father Tom Holladay, her sister Mary (Greg) Naugle, and her sister Jan (Mike) Pierre. She is preceded in death by her mother Nguyen Thi Hue and her youngest sister Karen Elizabeth Holladay who died less than a year old.



Terri's family would like to express their gratitude to all those who have shown their love and support during this difficult time. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends. A private family celebration of life will be held.



The Holladay relatives have made arrangements to plant trees in Israel as a living tribute to Terri's life. She would have loved that. Well-wishers are invited to donate to one of Terri's favorite charities called the Christina Noble Children's Foundation in Saigon.