Phạm Thị Mến

Men Thi Pham was born on December 31,1929 in Ha Nam Phu Ly, Vietnam. Born into a big family with financial hardships, mom had to leave her family in search of survival and independence at the age of 12. She took refuge and was cared for by French Catholic missionaries. In 1956, she met dad and together they had 7 kids. After the fall of Saigon, life took a turn for the worst. Dad was forced into a re-education camp, while mom was forced to make ends meet for her 7 kids. After dad was released from the re-education camp, mom had accumulated enough money and made a heart wrenching decision to send dad and 4 of her kids by boat in search of freedom. Her decision to stay behind along with our 2 sisters proved to be a monumental sacrifice. Fast forward 10 years, our whole family would be reunited in the United States living happily. Though she went through many incredible hardships in life, mom had unwavering faith in God and devotion to our family as we owe mom our successes, and our livelihood. She was a woman of formidable strength and courage, a devoted wife, but above all, she was a loving mom, and grandmother who will live on in our hearts forever.