Name: Oak Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park
Address: San Jose, CA

Grandma was born in Nam Định (about 1½ hours south of Hanoi). She married my grandfather at age 19 I think, around the time of the defeat of the French in 1954 leading to the partition of Vietnam. I have to admit, Grandma looked like an actress/star with those glamour shots. My grandparents would move to Gò Vấp in southern Vietnam (now reincorporated as a district of Ho Chi Minh City). She would become the mother of 7 children. To maintain the household, she would feed the children out of a communal bowl, assembly style. But she was a very empathetic mother, i.e. not a tiger mom, and from the stories I've heard about her, a fairly adept negotiator. Upon the end of the Vietnam War, the family fled to the United States. After a brief stay in Indiana, the family moved to San Jose, California for its warm weather, and many Vietnamese were heading there. Her children started bearing children of their own (her grandchildren). While my mom, aunts, and uncles were away working, her home became the second home for my cousins and me. From elementary school, middle school, to high school, we had a place to come to after school ended for the day (it was only a block from all 3 schools). Of course, I remember being fed along with my cousins assembly style. She was a devout Catholic, but I remember when my cousin came out to the extended family as a lesbian, and my grandma was among the first to embrace her grandchild and accept her... as I said, a very empathetic woman. I'll remember her sniff-kisses, and her signature dish she'd make for me before I went to martial arts practice: rice with hot dog smothered in Maggi sauce. I remember at one of the Christmas parties, I bought her a gift, a silk scarf with a sunflower pattern, because she just had the gentle, warm personality (when she wasn't annoyed with 8 grandkids scurrying about). She told me it was too beautiful to wear! RIP bà ngoại.

Dear Bà Ngoại,

It’s so hard to believe you aren’t here with us anymore. You have been such a solid foundation in my life, raising me when I was a baby and making sure I (along with other grandkids) we’re always SO well fed and safe.

The level of care you provided reached so far beyond just the literal sense too—your compassion and selflessness were so often occurring you made it part of the everyday routine.

One specific memory I had growing up was the time we were out running errands in your power blue sedan. We were stopping by several different stores to go grocery shopping and you stopped what you were doing to hand out extra blankets and layers to people living outside. Though I didn't fully understand the full weight of your acts at the time, I knew it must have been a kind gesture. I knew it must’ve been important  if my Bà was paying attention and extending her kindness and care to people other than my cousins. This is just one out of so, so many more memories I have with you. 

Thank you Bà for being fabulous and fierce. You have made the family what is it today and that appreciation will live within me forever. I love you Bà.

Dear Bà,         
If I could describe you in one word, it would would be: extraordinary. Although I don’t remember all the times you spent with me, when I look at old photos of us together, I know you cared deeply for me and my brothers. One thing I will always treasure is the jade gemstone you gave me when I was younger. Whenever I see and hold it, I’m instantly reminded of you. I'm sad I didn't get to know you that well, and I wish I got to know you better, but I will cherish the memories that we shared forever. Even though I feel gloomy sometimes, I’m glad that you’re together with Papa Ông in Heaven. Because of your guidance and support, I know I’ll push myself to be the best person I can be. Thanks for making my life the best it is and know you will always be with me in my heart. I hope you have a peaceful time in Heaven.        
Your Granddaughter, 
Katie

Pyrite: its beautiful metallic shine, often mistaken for gold. Quartz: one of the most durable minerals in the world. Whenever I look at these two stones you gifted me from your rock collection, I’m reminded of how loving and supportive of a grandma you were to me. I remember when we would come to visit, not only would you listen and smile at all the things I had to say, but I would light up every time you would say to me “cao quá” (so tall). And you would always support me, whether that was by physically holding me or just being there for a hug or to talk about my day with me. Dear Bà, I’m so lucky that you were my grandma; and I’m even more grateful that you could be my rock. Rest in peace, your grandson, Alex.

Dear Bà,

I may not have many memories with you, but I have one I will treasure forever. I was eight years old at the time and since I was born in the year of the pig, the pig was my favorite animal. My mom took me to visit you and I remember seeing you sit near the dining room table with your favorite figurines all around you. One of them caught my eye. It was a little pink ceramic pig holding a cup. It was so adorable and you could see it in my eyes. You took the pig and handed it to me. I didn't think it was right for me to take something that belonged to you because I liked it, but you insisted and so I did. I remember a warmth filling my heart as I was handed this small figurine. I remembered seeing you smile as you looked at me receiving my treasure with delight.

This little pig still sits on my desk and keeps me company while I study and do my homework. Every time I look at it, I am reminded of your beautiful, warm smile as you handed me my gift. I will keep this fond memory of you forever in my heart. Rest in peace Bà.

Your grandson, 
Ethan

Goodbye is the hardest thing to say!  Although I expect this day to eventually arrive, I was still shocked to hear the news that you are no longer here with us Momma. It is late into the night and I am sitting here alone recalling good memories I had of you.  You have done so much for your children, making sure we were provided with all the best in the world within your capability. Not were you only a generous and loving mother, you were also a person with many talents and a great supporter for when we needed you. You dedicated your wholeself to our family and held us together through ups and downs in life. You preserved and overcame so many barriers that came your way.

The most memorable trip I had with you was a trip to China in 2011. It was nice and wonderful trip as there were only 4 people on tour so it was very relaxing and slow-paced.  I remembered you were a little disoriented during the trip.  You wake up in the middle of the night and got lost in the hotel’s hallway and did not know how to get back to the room; the hotel staff had to lead you back. That was your last international trip as your health started declining from that point on....  It really warms my heart every time you were mentioned our China trip and how much fun we had together.  You really loved and treasured those moments.  I wish we had more time to visit and experience more places in the world together.  Although you are no longer here with me, those memories we shared will always be and hold a special place in my heart.  Saying GOODBYE is only for those who love with their eyes because for those who love with heart and soul, there is no such thing as separation.  Tomorrow is another day and until then, I will hold on to the thoughts of you to keep my heart warm.  Farewell Momma, I will see you again someday. You will be sorely missed. Much love!  ❤️️

Grandma was the backbone of this family.  She raised a generation of children and grandchildren all on her own .  I will always cherish  fond memories of playing in her backyard where my cousins and I had our "clubhouse," eating her delicious food, her sniff-kisses, and her floral shirts and the smell of scented Vaseline.  Grandma loved to shop, but she was also very generous and loving beyond words.  She used to pick me up from school and walk home with me every single day.  I was very lucky to have that time with her.  Looking back at her life, I am extremely grateful for all of the sacrifices that she has made for this family.  This is a huge loss, but I am thankful Grandma is at peace now.  

There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in our heart.Rest in peace 
Mom , we miss you!❤️

Good bye Mom. We all miss you dearly. You are in a better place now and peacefully  embark on the new journey. Love
Nguyen family

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Nguyet Thi Pham

1 décembre 1935 – 1 février 2022

Oak Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park

Montrez votre soutien

Envoyez Vos
Condoléances

Partager
L'avis De Décès

Obtenir les mises à jour

Prestations de Service