Obiturary

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Gia Pham, an English and media teacher at Bellarmine High School, died on Dec. 20 at 68 from poor health in her townhouse in San Diego.

Pham has a history of extreme iron deficiency and last night, she did not wake up for morning pancakes.

Bellarmine High took a moment of silence this week for the unique teacher who has taught for 12 years.

During the summer months, Pham was known for taking a group of outstanding and hardworking students to a foreign country to document its culture and lifestyle.

Last year, they went to Malaysia and created a multimedia project storytelling the hardscrabble existence of a local family restaurant and the cultural meaning behind their dishes.

The video won a Pulitzer Prize and was recognized by the Prime Minister of Malaysia for its compassion and heartfelt beauty.

The restaurant now has a never-ending line.

Tyler Rose, Pham’s husband, is filled with sorrow, but remains hopeful for the future.

“Gia was a person with a bright laugh and a brighter heart. She will be remembered by many for her altruism and terrible jokes, “ Tyler smiled.

Pham has also been an active member of the downtown skate community.

“The skatepark is Gia’s second home, so we are her second family. It's heartbreaking, but she will always be in our minds, pushing us to keep going, " a skater commented.

The skate community has built a 10-feet board decorated with colorful, spray-painted signatures in honor of Pham.

Many of her students describe Pham as honest, caring, and ambitious.


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