Joanne Bermejo Stratton

Joanne Bermejo Stratton went home to her God and Creator last Thursday, September 28, 2017. Her passing was caused by a cruel and unrelenting high-grade sarcoma, a parasite that never broke her spirit and which she valiantly fought, even until the end.

She is survived by her sister, Christine C. Bermejo, son, Kevin Benjamin Stratton, daughter, Dianna Bermejo-Ibe, nephew, Leo V. Cabacungan, niece, Apple C. Bamba, godson, John Lorenzo B. Blanco, son-in-law, Alvin M. Ibe, and her beautiful soul sisters and brothers who stayed with her through her battles - Liza, Menchie, Maricel, Ana, Gemma, Amia, Anthony, Rob, Stephanie, Raquel and Myra.

She was preceded in death by her spouse, Darren Lee Stratton, who passed away last May 22, 2016 at the age of 51.

Originally from Quezon City, Philippines, she was the long-awaited first-born child of Cecilia Aguilar Calalang and Venancio Rivera Bermejo, Jr. She grew up in a big, loving family alongside her younger sister, Christine, with whom she was very stern but caring. Playing volleyball and street games such as “chinese garter,” tag, and “jackstones” occupied her early childhood. Throughout her schooling years, Joanne was an energetic, vibrant student – excelling not only in academics, but as a member of an achieving volleyball team, a proud member of the girl scouts, and a ranking cadet officer in her senior year in high school.

Graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Accountancy, she proceeded to swiftly soar within the company that she devoted the first decade of her career to. With her responsibilities came the privilege of traveling, hence she got to swim and scuba dive in numerous beaches and far-off islands in the Philippines. Her mother once described her as a workaholic, leaving the house at 5 am and working until 9 pm, even being on-call around the clock. On her rare days off, she took pleasure in eating, spending time with family, and listening to Martin Nievera's and The Carpenters's songs.

Ever the selfless and responsible gift that she was to her family, she had to step up and become the sole breadwinner of a household of 7 at the age of 26. At a time when her peers were building their dreams and their own families, she was making sure hers had food on the table.

Migrating to the USA in 1999, she met the love of her life, Darren, and married him in May of 2000. They then had their son, Kevin, in 2005. Even in this land that was foreign to her, she shone bright with her professionalism and perfectionism. Having an organized, resourceful and analytical mind, combined with her kind and hardworking nature, endeared her even to her coworkers and superiors.

All throughout her life's journey, Joanne has always put her family first in every way – the epitome of the Filipino saying: “A mother will feed even the last bite of food to her children first before herself.” If there was a pair of shoes or a handbag that she would have loved to purchase, she gladly traded that in to be able to send money to her family abroad for school, or to celebrate special occasions, or to send them a “balikbayan box.” Nothing gave her more thrill than when she was facetime-ing with her loved ones, watching them open that box filled with her love.

The final challenges in her life only illuminated her self-sacrificing nature. Defying the experts' recommendations, she chose to try everything to prolong her life, without the guarantee of a cure, holding onto the goal of being able to stay with her family a little bit longer. Embodying poise and grace that only she can muster through all of the suffering this monstrous disease has inflicted on her, she continued to be the unflinching and proud role model a son and a daughter can ever aspire to have in their mother. She endured all the pain and indignities armed with her unwavering faith and nerves of steel that has now gone on to inspire her family to be more like Joanne – a devoted mother, sister and friend – literally up to her very last breath.

“But God raised her up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for her to be held in its power. “

The family would also like to send their appreciation to more of Joanne's friends who made sure that she felt their love and presence - Alicia, Tere, Marc, Yvonne, Sitoy, Amelita, and Ena.