In the first hour of the 24th of September, our dear mother and matriarch, after a lingering and painful illness, and with little complaint, bid us goodbye with her final breath and quietly moved on to a place far better than here. She has now joined our dad, her father, mother, and all her siblings who’d gone ahead and with whom she is surely now together hand-in-hand looking over us with guidance. Her pain is past, her extended suffering is over.

Her presence of strength, Teresita, Tessie, or Ining, as she was known over the years, is already sorely missed. As is her hearty laugh, her youthful demeanor, her love of life, and most especially her love for the children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren she leaves behind.

To our dear mommy, please know that it was heartbreaking to see what you went through and to see you go, and where you stood before there is now a void, but that we love you very very much and that you will continue to live on in all of us. As long as we are here, we promise never a day will pass when you aren’t remembered.