Gia Maria Sophia Giordano; Graduate Student

Gia Maria Sophia Giordano, a Ventura resident who was attending graduate school in Louisville, Ky., died Monday. She was 27.

Giordano was born April 13, 1970, in South Bend, Ind. Her family moved to Ventura when she was 2 years old. She was a 1988 graduate of Buena High School, where she played basketball. She graduated from Cal State Chico in 1993, then moved to Kentucky to work and continue her studies in social work.

Giordano’s family described her as a vital, loving woman who wanted to make the world a better place. She shared a close bond with her father, Mike, who coached her when she was a member of the first Ventura Stars Girls Basketball team. She also loved her dog, Romeo.

She is survived by her parents, Mike and Kathy Giordano of Ventura; two sisters, Kristina Louise Giordano of Louisville and Michelle Marie Giordano of Tucson; and her grandmother, Nancy Giordano.

Visitation will be from 1 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Ted Mayr Funeral Home in Ventura. A rosary will be recited by Father George Reynolds at 7 p.m. A memorial service will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at Assumption Catholic Church in Ventura.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Gia Giordano Scholarship Fund for Buena Girls Basketball, Buena High School, 5670 Telegraph Road, Ventura, CA 93003.

Arrangements are under the care of Ted Mayr Funeral Home in Ventura.