In Loving Memory of Rosita Maure Sipaco
Eulogy written by Mrs. Cecil Almendra
Once again I am reminded of the teachings of our church about life and death, that life does not end at death. In death, life is changed, not taken away. Our faith tells us those who have died remain with us in love. Our hope keeps us looking forward to that day when we will be united with them for eternity. Our memory allows us to hold and cherish all that they meant to us. Today, we are gathered here to say our prayer and farewell to one very special person, Mrs. Rosita Maure Sipaco. Let us take this moment together to share with each other her beautiful memories, her legacy to each one of us.
I have known Mana Tita for more than half of my life and knowing is an understatement. When we were staff nurses at Abuyog General Hospital in the Philippines where her husband Dr. Catalino Sipaco was the Chief of Hospital, we talked about our children, family, work and America in that order. Twenty-five years later, we still talked about our children, family, work and now Abuyog instead of America, still in that order. I have heard how she cherished her children. She said, “Salamat sa Diyos guitagan ako san buotan nga mga anak”. She was more of a role model. She gave more meaning to the words: mother, wife, sister, aunt, friend, even the word god-mother. She defined these words through actions easy to emulate.
Some of us may be asking this question, “Who is Tita Sipaco?” Friends and co-workers described Tita as a “good person” (at work, there are only two kinds of persons, one described as “good” and one that has no description). One co-worker, Monette, said of her, “ I am happy that I had the opportunity to know her even for a short period of time. I will always cherish our moments together.” A supervisor said, “ I truly treasure knowing her.” There are many other words of praises uttered about Mana Tita.
To me, I see her as love, strength and a witty sense of humor. Her unconditional love was given to everybody, not only to her children, husband and family but also to friends and colleagues as well. I saw her helped friends in need without question. From her love comes her kindness felt by many among us. From love comes her caring that helped many through sickness and poor health. I have not seen anybody gave so much of herself and this is because of love.
Tita is strength. Her fortitude supported so many in need to carry on through life’s difficulties. She could stay in front to lead, side by side to guide or stay behind to push. She would even carry some of your load and she will do it without hesitation, unmindful of her own self or her own challenges. You’ll agree with me that Tita had this maturity and disposition beyond her years that everyone would like to call her their “mother”. With her inner strength, she is a winner (talking about being a winner, she once beat me in the final round of a dart tournament after we both managed to eliminate the other opponents). Her mere presence means everything will be okay. At this moment, that my heart is numbed with grief, I have to call upon her strength to be able to talk about her today.
When things get too serious or a little bit rough, Tita draws upon her sense of humor to lighten-up the situation. We would say normally say, “when the going gets tough, the tough gets going”. For Tita, it’s different. “When the going gets tough, the fun is just beginning”. Her wit contaminates those who are near her making them smarter than they used to be. I would truly miss our fun times together.
Last but not the least, I know I would miss her so much as well as you would. Let us celebrate her life by keeping her love, share her strength, and when we need it most, borrow her sense of humor for Tita showed all these to us to have and to cherish ‘till we see her again.
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