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Annona Giam Obituary
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Annona was a father's dream and loving daughter who brought 28 years of happiness to her family and friends. Her bright spirit brought smiles to the faces of everyone who entered her life. She used her creative talents to make beautiful images and teach visual art. She touched the lives of many students. Her strengths and determination in the face of adversity was truly inspiring. Raising her to be "strong and kind" was easy because she was born that way. Annona always had the perfect sense of humor at the perfect time.
Annona was a amazing sister and friend. She loved music and movies and, above all else, art. She was an extremely gifted painter whose surreal and arresting artwork reflected the beauty, chaos, and absurdity of the human condition. She was also a wonderful teacher who reveled sharing her talents with her students. She was passionate about and advocated for troubled students using art as a means of coping and for a creative outlet. Annona will be remembered through her artwork, for her beauty and grace, her sense of humor, and her kind and caring nature.
Annona was a mother's pride and joy. Her love, kindness, intelligence, curiosity and offbeat sense of humor was a joy anywhere, anytime, always. Annona was a beloved friend. It is an massive understatement to say that she held her friends dear to her heart and she was as dear to theirs. She brought together others with her love of music and her need and extraordinary ability to express herself forcefully through writing, speaking, drawing and especially painting. Through her teaching she inspired young people to learn the valued place art has in our world and in our lives. She amazed and enchanted us.
Annona is survived by her parents, Christopher Giam (Susannah), Lori Adams (Andy), brother Will, Grandparents, John and Eloise Adams, Aunt and Uncles, Lu, Paul, Peter, Leah and Phillip Adams, JoAnn Giam and Steve Schoepke, Serena Ritchie, cousins, Alex, Allyson, Neal, Jake, Eric, Ryan, Sam, Cal, Carly, John, their children and countless friends.
There will be a graveside visitation on Saturday, November 2nd from 1-2 pm at the Cemetery at the Bethel Baptist Church, 511 Shenandoah Road, Hopewell Junction.
Arrangements for a memorial art exhibit and celebration of her life will be shared when ready. Please reach out in the comments below.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Annona to the Open Space Institute (OSI) or the American Museum of Natural History, or please take a walk in a park nearby or visit any Museum of Natural History.
Please visit her Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Wendy White
November 10, 2024
I am so sorry for your loss. Everytime I saw her she was smiling.
Wendy White
Ling Chen Kelley
November 8, 2024
Vibrant, humorous, and playful - Annona´s art matched her personality. We shared some great conversations in the break room, about art, music, viands, classroom activities, and the multitude usage for ninja stars.
She shared her unique perspective on young artists with her students, ever pushing them to look deeper, explore further, and speak their minds in critiquing the paintings near her station at the Whitney - then, offer background with profound insight for each piece on display - serving as a guide to help the viewers better negotiate the artistic terrain.
Ms. Giam had been a light and the world is dimmer without her. She is and will be missed. Requiescat in pace.
Stephen Jacewicz
November 4, 2024
I am deeply sorry to the family and friends of Annona. I may have met her at Jay in the past when we went there. We miss you, Ancona. God Bless you.
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Jesus Martir
November 2, 2024
I am one of Ms.Giams students for the year I knew her and took her class she had a joyful look whenever she came to class and was a fun teacher to have with her new ideas and assignments. I am truly saddened to see a wonderful person leaving this world and people she loved. I will miss you Ms.Giam and my condolences to her family as well.
Andrew Gerardi
November 1, 2024
I knew early on that Annona and I were going to be friends when we started working together as art teachers at the same school. We created a collaborative drawing , with our other colleagues and it was there I first saw her creativity, playful sense of humor, and love for the strange and unusual. As school progressed, she always offered her wisdom and guidance when I was in need of a friend. Whenever I got to spend time with Annona, my day was immediately better. Walking in and seeing her in the teachers lounge always put a big smile on my face . We could spend our entire break making each other laugh. She introduced me to the world of AI and we had so much fun making the strangest images. Time would just slip away as we delved into artistic and hilarious worlds.
I only wish that I had gotten to spend more time with Annona because she was one of the coolest people I have ever met. Although I had only known her for a few years , she made an imprint on me that will last a lifetime. I am deeply saddened but I am also grateful that I got to know such a kind, artistic, inspiring, and funny soul.
Shontay Coleman
October 31, 2024
It took me some time to fully process and find the words to express how much your loss has meant to me. Over the past few days, I´ve reflected on your smile and regretted not telling you recently just how amazing you truly were. From the days of getting to know you, celebrating at work, and laughing together about our shared love for reality shows, we formed a lasting bond. Your smile and calming presence were always felt. I will ensure everyone knows how beautiful you were, inside and out. Your light will never fade from this world because you are deeply loved. Rest in peace, my friend.
Monique
October 31, 2024
I met Annona when she came to teach at the school I was teaching at in the Bronx. This young, sweet woman had suck a soft demeanor and beautiful smile. I am so saddened by this lost to the world. I will miss you. My heart aches.
Ms. W
Christina Calhoun
October 30, 2024
While I only worked with Annona for one school year, we shared many laughs and happy moments in the teacher's lounge, on breaks, and when proctoring
exams together. She was funny, bright, and full of so much light and energy. I wish I had the opportunity to befriend her more although I'll always appreciate the brief time we shared together. My deepest condolences to Annona's family and friends.
Shaloma Acosta
October 30, 2024
I was one of Ms.Giam students I was new student when I first met her and she always mad me feel comfortable in her environment although her she from the school we all truly miss her she was truly a wonderful teacher and women she will be missed my condolences to her family
Tyson Himes
October 30, 2024
Annona had the best qualities that are found in people. She had great taste - in music, in clothes, and in art. She had a terrific sense of humor. She would toggle back and forth from absurd to silly to sarcastic to deadpan. She loved making people laugh. Annona was kind, always. Even when she was irritated about something or someone, it came out a little muted. I never saw her lose her cool.
Annona was the best kind of person to be friends with. She collected swords and bizarre books that she found in the park. She had throwing stars and plastic frogs and rats. She was interested in the world and was fascinated by the bizarre. She was constantly sending me wild AI generated images and videos that cracked her up. She was a good hang. We could sit and draw and look through her book collections for hours and just talk. I´ve never met anyone like her.
I´ve been listening to the album Whack World by Tierra Whack on repeat ever since hearing the news. Annona shared it with me recently and said "Listen to this album!!!" I feel her presence deeply when I do.
I love you and I miss you
Jonah Omorebokhae
October 30, 2024
Ms. Giam was my art teacher for 9th and 10th Grade, needless to say that she was truly a great person, she was already missed for leaving the school, but now she will be missed at a much greater cost. Rest easy Ms. Giam
Brian Leavy
October 30, 2024
I only worked with Annona for a short time, but she brought a tremendous amount of calming grace to the classroom. She will be missed greatly.
Alicia Aiello
October 30, 2024
My best friend since 2nd grade who transformed into this beautiful, radiant woman... Who was so funny, intelligent, and sincere. You were a light that brightened the lives of everyone who had the pleasure of knowing you. You had so much to offer the world. Gone too soon. I am so blessed to have called you my friend. May you rest easy. I love you always and forever.
Brandon Coreale
October 30, 2024
She was such a great friend and teacher. I loved her as a colleague and my nephew loved her as his teacher. May her memory and legacy be a blessing.
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895 Route 82 P.O. Box A, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533
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