Malia Thi Henderson

Malia Henderson (Nguyễn) was born in Saigon, Vietnam on December 26th 1953 to Nguyễn Van Khai and Dang Thi Hoa. At the young age of 16, Malia left from Vietnam as her country experienced war, and relocated to Hawaii, where her love of tropical flowers began. She eventually settled in San Diego, California, the place she has called home for nearly 40 years.

Malia had a heart for serving, not only God and her family, but her community as well. She was a mom and a grandma first, but she also served as a care-giver for the elderly in Coronado for 9 years and was a staple in the church kitchen for over 25 years making sure the congregation always had a good meal to share. Most recently, her service shifted to feeding the homeless locally. Her big heart stretching to accommodate special requests and forming precious bonds with those who have lost their way.

Malia will be most remembered for her giving spirit, her incredible cooking including lumpia, poncit, and Pho, her green-thumb with growing beautiful flowers and fresh fruits and vegetables in her garden and the incredible love she had for her children and grandchildren.

Malia is survived by her daughter Vikki (Paul Ash), sons Timothy Schulz Jr and Shawn Schulz (Julie Hatfield), step-son Thomas Henderson (Maria), 11 grandchildren, 1 great-granddaughter, 6 sisters, and many nieces and nephews. Malia is preceded in death by her husband Brian Henderson, Timothy Schulz the father of her sons, father Nguyễn Van Khai, mother Dang Thi Hoa and brother Nguyen Van Phu.

A celebration of Malia’s life and the love her family has for her is planned for April 27th 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Lutheran Church in Imperial Beach. A visitation will be open for all who wish to attend from 4-7:00 p.m. at the Funeraria Del Angel Chula Vista on Tuesday April 26th. The family requests that any donations made in her honor go to Feeding San Diego or Urban Angels to support feeding the hungry of San Diego.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.humphreymortuary.com for the Henderson family.