Born to Atty. Pedro Aquino and Jovita Zarzoso on May 19, 1944 in Batangas, Philippines, she was the second of eight daughters.
She finished college in 1964 with a Bachelors degree in Education/Food and Nutrition from Far Eastern University in the Philippines and later taught there for a few year before coming to the United States. She later received her her Associate in Arts in Nursing in 1993 from Valencia College in Orlando.
She is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, Dr. Rudy Panganiban, Sr.; her two sons, Dr. Rudy Panganiban, Jr., his wife Christine, and their three daughters: Alexa, Graysen, and Dylan of Tampa, FL and Dr. Roland Panganiban, his wife Leilani, and their two daughters: Cassiana and Karisna of Orlando, FL; and her siblings: Rebecca, Elizabeth (Jaime), Perlita, Amelia (Rolando), Minerva, Lourdes (John), and Eileen.
Estrellita, known by family and friends as Lita, was soft spoken, kindhearted, and always had a smile to share.. She loved to travel, which was a good thing because with Dr. Rudy Sr. in the Navy, they were on the move every few years; living in Subic Bay, Okinawa, New Orleans, Staten Island, Gainesville, and finally Orlando. Her passion was to spend time doting on her five grandchildren, which she treasured. They all called her “Lola” and over the years, things came full circle. She spent time with them all as they grew…wiping little hands, feeding little mouths, carrying them, and watching them play. Enjoying them grow with that smile on her face, attending piano recitals, tennis matches, family dinners, vacations, or even just hanging out at the house. As time went on, it was their turn to help Lola— walk, eat, sit, stand, and most of all encourage her to fight. Estrellita not only embodied love, compassion, and kindness but demonstrated the strength to fight… a legacy which she left, in her family.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or your favorite charity.
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