Annona Giam, age 28, died unexpectedly on Sunday, October 27, 2024. She was born on September, 27, 1996 in the Hudson Valley, lived in Hopewell Junction, Purchase (during college at SUNY) and in Queens.

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.