TERESITA MANABAT

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TERESITA MANABAT Peacefully on December 16, 2014, while surrounded by her family, Teresita Manabat passed away at the age of 66. She will be dearly missed by her devoted husband of 44 years Ruben, her son Richard (Brigitte), and daughters Christine (Norm) Figueroa and Bet (Roger) Phrakonekham as well as her five granddaughters Emily, Sarah, Olivia, Quinn and Madison. Also left behind to mourn are her brothers and sisters: Robert, Helen, Emma, Nestor, Miraflor, Charito and Joseph as well as her brothers/sisters-in-law: Lilia Santos, Tess Santos, Eddie Cruz, Roman Zamora, Estella Santos, Bonifarte Deleon, Sam Magarro, Maca and Nitang, Pepe and Belen, Lita Gonzales, Conching and Chris Parungao, Eddie and Agnes Manabat, Linda Manabat and Peter and Lina Manabat. Also left to cherish her memory are numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, godchildren, and friends. Teresita was predeceased by her mother Gloria Santos, father Antonio Santos, brother Jesus Santos, mother-in-law Africa Manabat, father-in-law Francisco Manabat and granddaughter Mai. Born on November 12, 1948 and raised in the city of Manila, she was third of nine children and being the first daughter was called upon early to help care for her younger siblings. Her role as mentor and support for her siblings cemented her devotion to family. Caring for family truly became her foundation of joy and purpose. Determined to elevate her family's well- being, she, along with her sister Helen, began their journey away from their familiar surroundings of Manila and traveled throughout the United States before settling in the wintery city of Winnipeg as part of the 1969 "Asian Invasion" textile recruitment. Here, she met Ruben, who with his roguish charms, swept her off her feet and fell madly in love with each other and were soon married in 1971. Fulfilling her commitment to her family back home, she, along with her husband and sister began the task of assisting her parents, siblings and in-laws immigrate to Winnipeg which lasted over 20 years. Throughout her life, Teresita was inspiration to not only her family but to everyone who knew her. The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at St. Boniface Hospital Dialysis Unit for all the years they cared for Teresita as well as the Health Sciences Centre Renal transplant team for all their efforts and the MICU for their care and support during this difficult time. A celebration of her life will be held during lamay viewing on Friday, December 19, 2014 at Chapel Lawn, 4000 Portage Avenue, from 6:00 p.m. - 12:00 midnight. Funeral service will be held Saturday, December 20, 2014 at St. Peter's Church, 748 Keewatin St., at 12:00 noon. Burial to follow at Glen Lawn Funeral Home, 455 Lagimodiere Blvd. www.chapellawn.ca 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 19, 2014