Ann Pham's Obituary
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4 Our beloved Ann, after a long struggle with cancer, passed away in her home surrounded by family. She is survived by her husband Tom, daughter Leann, and sons Shaun and Thomas; also by her parents John and Van; sisters Linh, Thao, and Alyssa; and brother Tuan Tu. Ann, the eldest daughter, was born in Vietnam. At the young age of 13, she crossed the ocean, a journey wrought with perils, among strangers in a little boat. After a year’s stay in refugee camps she immigrated to the US. We will always cherish her gentleness, humbleness, generosity, and warmth. Ann is humble in how she lived for others, always serving. She warms people with a simple greeting “have you eaten?” because sharing a meal brings immediate intimacy. She embraces everyone, connects with all people, brings us together at her table where she pours her heart out through her comfort foods. She is a giver. She gives away never expecting returns, and forgives without requiring apologies. Ann suffers much in her life, but remains gentle. She does not complain. She accepts and endures her sufferings with humor. Her recent illness lasted for almost a year. Yet, she quietly struggled and fought through the pain; not ever a harsh word against anyone, and even comforted us. She often said, “kệ sao bây giờ, tới đâu hay tới đó” (oh well, what can you do?, we’ll cross that bridge when we get there). Ann is a peacemaker. She softens the hearts of those she meets. She does not remember a slight, and would grin at an offense. She desires that everyone reconcile. When her voice became weaker and she spoke less, among the last words that she communicated was “như tờ giấy trắng, mọi chuyện bỏ qua hết” (let everyone turn a new page, forgive everything, start again with a blank sheet). Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Phúc cho những ai ăn ở thuận hoà, vì họ sẽ được gọi là con Thiên Chúa. Oh Lord, may we be comforted by your words, and let Ann be the example to guide our lives. Amen.
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