March 14, 1914 - March 24, 2019
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of "Lola" Leonila Garcia Abecia on March 24, 2019. She passed peacefully at the age of 105, surrounded by her family at Acropolis Manor. She is predeceased by her parents Cayetano and Rufina Garcia, by her loving husband "Lolo" Maximo Abecia, her daughter Rowena (Eddie •) and her sister Francisca. She leaves behind in mourning her children Juliet (Mauricio), Luzminda (Eduardo •), Romeo (Jovita), Emmanuel (Angelita), Ely (Violeta •), Maleo, her 22 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren, and siblings Rodolfo and Isabel. Lola was born in Camiling Tarlac, Philippines on March 14, 1914, the oldest of her 3 siblings.
She had a wonderful humour and love for life. She loved to dance and sing and cook. She moved to Manila to attend National University for a teaching degree where she met her husband Maximo, a fellow student. It was love at first sight when Maximo witnessed Leonila punching a boy who was teasing her. They were married in 1936, and moved to Camiguin. Together with their love for education, they built a school on the small picturesque island and taught adults and children alike. To this day they are revered on the island and their legacy will help generations to come. Life was interrupted by the war, but their love thrived with 7 beautiful children. They were able to afford a home in Parang, and a farm in Edcor, Maguindanao, where they raised their family. Now that their children were having children of their own they retired and immigrated to Canada to join their son Emmanuel and his young family in Prince Rupert. They lived the rest of their years, helping care for their grandchildren, being avid members of the Fil-Can community, watching boxing, and enjoying fishing on the Skeena River. When Lolo passed away in 2001, Lola became the sole pillar of the Abecia clan. We will love and miss her always, but take solace that she has joined her love. Lolo and Lola can now dance and sing together again in heaven.
Lola and her family fully appreciate the compassionate love and care of the doctor and staff of Acropolis Manor.
Funeral service was held on April 1, 2019 at Annunciation Church officiated by Fr. Terry Brock.