Gavina Nanay Zapanta Joaquin

“Nanay”

February 19, 1928 – January 27, 2011

It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Gavina Joaquin (nee Zapanta) with her family by her side on Thursday, January 27, 2011 at age 82 in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Nanay was born on February 19, 1928 in Taytay, Rizal, Philippines. She spent her teen-age years as a popular co-ed and was crowned homecoming queen in Juan Sumulong High School. In her senior year, she met the dashing University of the Philippines (Diliman) law student, Agapito (Pete/Pitong) Joaquin from Kalookan who swept her off her feet.

In 1951, they were married and began their family in Sangandaan, Kalookan, Philippines. While she missed her family and close friends in Taytay, she embraced Kalookan as her new home.

Her husband, our Tatay, was a lawyer, writer and politician and Nanay provided him the support and stability on the home front. She chose to be a stay-at-home wife and mother to raise their children and keep the Sangandaan household organized. She doted on her children and also on her favourite nieces in Sangandaan: Zeny, Myrna, and Mariette.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Nanay played the role of the perfect politician’s wife. Their home was open to everyone who asked for Tatay’s help regardless of the time of day. Together, they made a lot of lifelong friends.

Nanay and Tatay, with family and friends, would spend many relaxing weekends and holidays in their vacation home in Pulong Gubat, Guiguinto, Bulacan, and also in Nanay’s ancestral home in Taytay, Rizal.

When she was widowed in 1981, her renewed Christian faith gave her the strength to fulfill her responsibilities as a mother to her young family in spite of Tatay’s loss. She gave unconditional love to all her eight children. When her grandchildren, Anna and Patrick, were born, Nanay was the consummate grandmother because her life revolved around them.

She would always bring the family back to visit her mother and brother in Taytay, Rizal, to ensure that her children and grandchildren who grew up in Kalookan City would maintain their ties with her side of the family. They spent many happy days sharing stories and eating home-cooked Taytay food. She was very proud of her Taytay roots even claiming, among others, that the best “ayungin fish” in the Philippines could only come from her hometown.

In 1990, she immigrated to Winnipeg, Manitoba. She enjoyed the friendship of her beloved sisters and brothers in Christian faith, especially the late Mama Linda Barabad. She never stopped praying and asking God to help everyone who was special to her. Nanay’s prayer intentions were proofs of her selflessness.

Nanay became a grandmother once again when Azriel John (Ace) was born in 1999. Ace’s arrival gave Nanay her “second wind” and renewed her will and strength to overcome her increasing health concerns. Over the years Nanay taught Ace how to pray and read the Bible. She taught Ace acts of compassion, strong faith and belief in God. Nanay and Ace would pray together everyday, even just over the telephone. Nanay had a lot of joy having had the experience to watch Ace grow up.

Her health challenges in her senior years did not prevent her from finding joy in her life. She never lost her zest for life and amazed everyone she met with her positive attitude and grace in the midst of her health problems. She was cheerful and had a great sense of humour. She also had a very sharp memory and kept herself informed. She loved doting on her children and grandchildren, and phoning her friends and relatives here and abroad. Nanay spent most of her time reading the Bible and listening to her CDs of Christian songs. She loved completing word search puzzles and sewing. She also loved watching news and current events programs on TV especially CTV News and CNN especially Larry King Live. Nanay was always up to date on the latest episodes of Survivor, American Idol, Dancing with the Stars, Amazing Race, and Two and a Half Men. She also enjoyed watching reruns of Seinfeld, Frasier, King of Queens, and Golden Girls. Nanay loved spending time telling stories of her and Tatay’s younger years to her children and grandchildren.

Nanay will be lovingly remembered by her family: children, Emmie Joaquin, Belinda (Mac) Joaquin-Lacanilao, and Jocelyn (Dan) Joaquin-Escobido; grandchildren, Anna Patricia Joaquin Lacanilao, Patrick James Joaquin Lacanilao, and Azriel John Joaquin Escobido [Winnipeg, Manitoba]; children, Dr. Arnel (Dr. Agnes, nee Rubio) Joaquin and sons [Los Angeles, California], Jon (Dadai, nee Delicano) Joaquin and children [Davao City, Philippines], Ros (Mike) Joaquin-Canlas and daughters [Quezon City, Philippines], Rhod Joaquin, and Allan Joaquin [Kalookan City, Philippines]. Also left to cherish her memory are her brother Orestes (Nora) Zapanta [Zamboanga City, Philippines] and children, Lorie, Willie, Nellie (Art), Alan, and Renie; sister-in-law Lita Zapanta [Taytay, Philippines] and children, Arthur (Vivian), Annie (Joe) and Albert; sister-in-law Angelina Joaquin [Winnipeg] and children, Myrna (Freddie) Joaquin-Mendoza [Richmond, BC], Mariette (Rey) Joaquin-Cruz, and Noli Joaquin; sister-in-law Letty Joaquin [Los Angeles, California] and children, Bobby (Zeny) Joaquin, Jun (Nene) Joaquin [Scarborough, Ontario], Janet (Herbert) Joaquin-Icaro [California], Jacqueline (Benny) Joaquin-Alemana, and Violy (Jessie) Joaquin [Philippines]. Nanay also left behind numerous grandnieces and grandnephews in the Philippines, United States, Canada and France. She will also be dearly missed by her grandnieces Kristine (nee Joaquin Cruz) and Raymund Tabing, Kathryn Joaquin Cruz, and grandnephew, Robbie Joaquin Cruz of Winnipeg, Manitoba, who were with us during Nanay’s final moments.

Her beloved husband, Atty. Agapito M. Joaquin, predeceased her in 1981; her father Amang Ponciano in 1969, mother Inang Lapaz Zapanta (nee Resurreccion) in 1998, brother Vicente Zapanta in 2008, her niece Zeny Joaquin Ortega in 2006.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff of St. Boniface Hospital Emergency Dept. and SICU; to SICU resident Dr. Mohammad Zarrabian, SICU resident Dr. Gowda, Surgical resident Dr. Mohammad Bawazeer; SICU nurses Jennifer, Lynn, and Arlene; also to St. Boniface Hospital’s Chaplain Pastor Paul. Many thanks to Dr. David Crawford (Carla), Dr. Fred Aoki, and the staff of Victoria Hospital, Seven Oaks Hospital and Health Sciences Centre for the care that they have provided to Nanay.

We would also like to thank the loving Home Care workers who took excellent care of Nanay throughout the years; the Home Care case coordinators for their compassion and understanding of Nanay’s delicate health; and the Home Care nurses led by Karen for their dedication to Nanay’s medical needs.

Thanks to Victor Kumar of Blue Line Handi-Helper Transit for the classy service he provided Nanay on her many outings. Our sincerest gratitude also goes to the Winnipeg EMS and FPS for their prompt responses to Nanay’s calls.

In October 2010, Nanay moved to Beacon Hill Lodge where she had a wonderful experience with the caring and loving staff, especially the 8th Floor team. Many thanks to all the 8th floor nurses and health care aides (HCAs) who made sure Nanay was comfortable and safe everyday. Thanks to Beacon Hill Lodge’s management and administration team, the dietary, housekeeping and maintenance staff. Nanay’s stay at Beacon Hill was relatively short but they were most meaningful and joyful because she regained her confidence and independence with their help. She never failed to mention to any one who would ask her that she was very happy and enjoyed her new friends at Beacon Hill Lodge.

We thank her many friends and relatives who spent time visiting her at home, the various hospitals where she was confined, and at Beacon Hill Lodge.

Thanks, too, to Nanay’s friend and phone pal Aling Pitang Garing. Special thanks to our family friend Paul Morrow who was also with us when we bid goodbye to Nanay.

Nanay was able to touch many lives. She loved many and was loved in return. She lived a full life and she is now with Jesus where she no longer suffers physical pain. We celebrate her life and we thank all of you who cherish her memories with us.

Lamay (visitation) was held Friday, February 4th, at Thomson “In the Park” Funeral Home. Thanks to all our relatives and friends who helped us during the Christian service and visitation.

Funeral service and interment will be held February 5, Saturday at 2 p.m. also at Thomson “In the Park”, 1291 McGillivray Blvd., Winnipeg. A small reception will follow.

We love you, Nanay, and we will miss you very much. Thank you for your unconditional love, patience, and understanding. You met your Divine Appointment with Jesus with pride, grace and dignity. You are now in peace with Tatay in God’s sweet embrace. Till we meet again.