Daisy Espalabra is an alumna of Iloilo High School (Batch 1973). The IHS Class 1973 wish to express our heartfelt thanks to the Ponteras family (especially Cherry Ponteras-Quitzon) for allowing us to share some of Daisy's photos and also include the acknowledgement that another sister, Rosette, gave during Daisy's wake.
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"a collage of pictures when Daisy was still healthy with her friends in New Jersey."
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"These were taken months before Daisy passed and some when they went home to Iloilo last Sept. She was so happy to see her two kids and her 4 apos. "
Daisy's health deteriorated quickly within such a short space of time. She and Joash planned to go back home to the Philippines once more last Oct 26, but she quietly passed away then.
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"There must have been 200 people at the wake! Her new-found friends and even strangers came to pay respects. "
Joash (Daisy's husband) with two of his sisters Cherry (left) and Rosette (right)
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(Acknowledgement delivered by Rosette on behalf of the Family)
"GOOD EVENING!
Daisy was 17 and my brother was 18 when they fell in love and eloped. That was 35 years ago. Her parents insisted they had to get married. They didn’t have to twist Daisy’s & Joash’s arms. So we had the wedding at our house. Daisy wore a pink dress (her favorite color). A close friend played the “wedding song – there is love” on the guitar.
Like any teenagers, they had a lot of growing up to do. As I was away at college at that time and eventually moved to the U. S. I wasn’t a witness to all the growing up they had to do but our youngest sister was and may have a lot of interesting stories to tell. They went through tough times, raising 2 children, working & getting their college degrees. Through it all their love for each other kept them together.
Then Daisy made the biggest sacrifice for her family when she moved here, leaving her loved ones behind. Through hard work, she was able to help provide for them. She was homesick, she was lonely but she was able to cope with it because of all of you. You gave her a job, you befriended her, you cared for her, you gave her a chance, you made her feel wanted.
Life was about to get even better when my brother’s immigration papers were approved. They would finally be able to start a new life together. She was excited about making their rented room a home. Soon after, she was diagnosed with cancer. She was so optimistic about a cure and about their future together. I’m so thankful for their time together no matter how short. She really put up a good fight. She never complained but she was in constant pain. HE didn’t want her to suffer anymore. She’s now in HIS comforting arms.
In behalf of my brother Joash, their children Joash Louis, Jade, daughter-in-law Rosalyn and grandchildren J’Rose, Jared, Renzo & Rouge. My parents, Moises & Amparo, my sister Bethany & family, sister Cherry Joy & my husband Bill & children, I would like to express our sincere & profound thanks to each & everyone here tonight & to those who can’t be here but have known & loved Daisy. Thank you for your kindness & generosity. Thank you for your love & friendship. Thank you for being her extended family.
Because of your generosity, she was able to see her children & grandchildren for the last time. She loved every minute of the time she spent with them. No words will ever be enough to convey how grateful we are.
We will forever miss you Daisy. You were not our sister-in-law, you’re our sister! Till we meet again at Jesus’ feet. We Love You!
Lastly, let us take comfort with these words from John 14:1-3
Let not your heart be troubled; You believe in God, Believe also in ME.
In my Father’s house are many mansions; If it were not so, I would have told you,
I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again & receive you to Myself. That where I am, There you may be also.
We know where Daisy is right now and she’s happy. "
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"With this, I would also like to say “Thank You” for the prayers & support that you have given me and our family." - Cherry (Bingbing) Ponteras-Quitzon
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NEWS UPDATE:the memorial service in Iloilo will be this coming Saturday (November 14) at Jaro Evangelical Church and the burial of her ashes will follow at the Evangelical Garden in Balantang, Jaro.
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14 Nov 2009, Jaro Evangelical Church
"just this afternoon (2 p.m.) cho ramos, arlene donasco-celiz, haydee geganzo-jimenea and yours truly attended the mass ( 35.6 C...as n grabe kainit) for the eternal repose of the soul of our dearly beloved daisy espalabra-ponteras...so solemn and almost all were teary eyed..."
- Atty. Allan Ladrido
Four of our IHS Class73 members were able to attend the memorial service in Iloilo.
(LtoR) Melchor Ramos, Joash Ponteras (Daisy's husband), Haydee Geganzo-Jimenea, Arlene Donasco-Celis, Atty. Allan Ladrido
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