SHOCK AND DEEP SORROW!!! 😢😢😢 - Maria was the one who looked after and supported our family over 40 years, even when I was still in Vietnam. - I would like to offer a few words of tribute and remembrance for Mrs. Maria Bishop. - During the nearly ten years when my father lived here alone, Mrs. Maria and Mr. Stecher were always close by, offering him support and comfort. - My father had filed a sponsorship petition for my mother and us 3 siblings eight years prior, but there had been no progress. - After the Consulate opened in Saigon, Mrs. Maria, you personally contacted the Senator from Michigan, and shortly thereafter, the case began moving forward. - When we arrived in the U.S. in 1990, my siblings and I were truly blessed to continue receiving the kindness and generous support from both of you. - For several years, you two came to our home every week to teach us English. - You two would devise different methods, such as word games, readings, writings, and testings to help us learn. - Even in freezing weather or snowstorms, you did not hesitate to come over, in hopes to see us do well in school. -Later, due to a special circumstance, you welcomed me into your home to stay for a few months. -You cared for me just as my own parents would have. -In September 2009, you joyfully attended our wedding. -Tragically, just a few days later, we received the news that Mr. Stecher Bishop had suddenly passed away. -We all understood what an immense, heartbreaking loss this was for you. -For so many years, you lived alone, even though I know your loved ones came by often. -Still, you continued to work tirelessly, traveling away from home. -I knew, however, that this was simply a way to mask your loneliness and fill the void left in your heart after the passing of your husband Stecher. -We would see each other once every few years after that. -During the 2024 Christmas season, Hana and I visited you. We learned you were seriously ill, though you remained remarkably active and spirited. -In early summer 2025, my family and I came to see you again; your condition had worsened significantly, yet you remained cheerful and steadfast. - Around July of last year, you suddenly called me. We had such a delightful, heartfelt conversation for 2.5 hours until my battery ran out. - During the 2025 Christmas season, I tried to reach out to wish you a Merry Christmas, but couldn't get through. - Just yesterday, I was thinking of you and wanted to get in touch for a visit. - I couldn't reach you by phone, and there was no reply to messages I sent on Facebook. - To my shock, a Google search revealed your obituary—you had passed away in August 2025. - We are deeply saddened and heartbroken that we did not know when you had passed. - Upon seeing your obituary, I felt a sudden, numbing ache, and a profound sadness washed over me. - I was choked with emotion and welled up with tears; words cannot fully express how I feel. - I will always cherish the memories through the years and your smiling face, even though I know you were suffering greatly from illness recently. - Wherever you are up in Heaven, may you join Stecher and be in peace in the presence of the Almighty. - Our family will always remember and remain grateful for the special kindness and generosity you and Stecher had shown us. - Thank you for living such a meaningful life and for creating so many beautiful memories for our family. - Please watch over both of your and our families from above. - You will always remain in our thoughts and prayers. 🙏🙏🙏