Bich Van Thi Pham passed away on October 25, 2021.  She was surrounded by her sons and a daughter-in-law. 

Born on October 20, 1935 in Hanh Thien in Vietnam, Bich Van was the oldest child to Pham Minh Khai and Pham Thi Thanh. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Thung Ngoc Pham, her six sons - Linh, Luan, Dzung, Tuong, Phuc and Khanh, and eight grandchildren. 

With the same determination as her flight from North to South Vietnam in 1954, Bich Van and her entire family immigrated to Hudsonville, Michigan in 1975.  She deliberately chose Michigan as their new home, where it is cold and totally different from Vietnam, because she felt it was important that her children adapt to the climate and culture of their new country.  It was also the strength of her conviction that all of her children graduate from college.  Ten years ago, Bich Van moved to California to seek warmer weather; she loved the sun.

For the last seven years, Bich Van lived under the advanced stages of dementia.  She was compassionately cared for by her family, particularly her son Dzung.  Dzung was a devoted caregiver and champion for his mother. Certainly, he is the family’s MVP.  Bich Van was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Van Anh Pham.  Mother and daughter were more similar than different.  Both were headstrong and fiercely protected and loved the family.

Bich Van will be missed immensely, though the family finds some comfort that she is now resting in peace - free in mind, body and spirit - and again re-united with her beloved daughter in heaven.