Lilia Chamian-Sanchez, RIP
I didn't really know her before her visit to California in early 2000. She was Donna's elementary school classmate, however and a JASHS Class '70 alumnae. I found her as being warm and sincere. It escapes me now why she came to the US but I remember Donna's cousin Feliciano 'Boy' Dizon knew her as well. So one day she came over to our house in Norwalk for a small get-together. She was with two other ladies, I don't remember who they were. Here she is seated to Donna's right.
We bonded really well during our 35th high school reunion in the Philippines in 2005 and our subsequent trip to Japan. Donna's nursing classmate Beth went with us. Lilia's daughter Frieda was in Tokyo at the time and she met us in Yokosuka. When our Japan visit was over, Donna, Dan, Eph, Rach and I left for the US, Frieda and Reggie stayed in Japan while Lilia went back to the Philippines before finally going back to her home in Australia.
Note: IMG pictures were posted courtesy of Robert Custodio.
She was out of circulation for a while after we learned that Frieda went back to Australia because her Mom was sick.
We organized our high school 40th Grand Reunion last year and she was being copied on eMails between our classmates. All of a sudden, I received an eMail from her. She was interested in buying a small house in the Philippines, some place she can stay when she's in town. Donna found one and I took pictures and sent them to her. But later on, she was talked out of getting it by her relatives in the US and Australia.
She intended in attending our reunion and she did so and she had great fun during the reunion as did we.
The succeeding post reunion parties and Karaoke sessions are unforgettable!
Sometime last week classmate and friend Ed Sale called saying he received a text message about Lilia's passing which gave me quite a shock. I told him not to announce it until I got a confirmation from my niece Jack who went to Melbourne last May 12. Last February I had her meet Lilia at SM to widen her network of friends and acquaintances over down under. They hit if off right away with Lilia telling her, "As soon as you arrive give me a call so we can run around shopping, I can show you where the church is and the nearest hospital, etc."
I sent Jack a message and an eMail and instructed her to find out about Lilias condition and give me confirmation. While I was on Facebook, another friend, Roxy asked me on the chat line about Lilia. Then I realized that she had a Facebook account. I clicked it and found her daughter Frieda's announcement of her Mom's wake and funeral schedule.
It literally took my breath away and I got goosebumps knowing that yes, Lilia is indeed gone. I immediately sent a short announcement to some close friends and I also sent Frieda a message:
Hi Frieda,
I don't know if your Yahoo address is still any good...
Not sure if you remember me but we visited you in Japan in 2005, I think. Your Mom was our high school classmate.
We had the opportunity to be with her last February during our 40th Grand Reunion. We had a lot of fun going out, singing Karaoke, etc. I remember she sang really well. Please allow me to remember her that way; singing, laughing and just generally having fun.
With a heavy heart, I sent out an eMail last night announcing your Mom's passing to our friends and classmates.
We extend to you and the rest of the family prayers and heartfelt condolences.
Uncle Rey and Auntie Donna
To which she replied:
Thankyou Uncle Rey and Tita Donna!
Of course I still remember you!
Appreciate your kind words and prayers!
Mum spoke fondly of her reunion in the Phils!
She had lots of good memories!
And is now at peace with my dad and our God!
Thank you for being a friend to her.
Lots of love
Frieda
LILIA, Rest in Peace!
We bonded really well during our 35th high school reunion in the Philippines in 2005 and our subsequent trip to Japan. Donna's nursing classmate Beth went with us. Lilia's daughter Frieda was in Tokyo at the time and she met us in Yokosuka. When our Japan visit was over, Donna, Dan, Eph, Rach and I left for the US, Frieda and Reggie stayed in Japan while Lilia went back to the Philippines before finally going back to her home in Australia.
Note: IMG pictures were posted courtesy of Robert Custodio.
She was out of circulation for a while after we learned that Frieda went back to Australia because her Mom was sick.
We organized our high school 40th Grand Reunion last year and she was being copied on eMails between our classmates. All of a sudden, I received an eMail from her. She was interested in buying a small house in the Philippines, some place she can stay when she's in town. Donna found one and I took pictures and sent them to her. But later on, she was talked out of getting it by her relatives in the US and Australia.
She intended in attending our reunion and she did so and she had great fun during the reunion as did we.
The succeeding post reunion parties and Karaoke sessions are unforgettable!
Sometime last week classmate and friend Ed Sale called saying he received a text message about Lilia's passing which gave me quite a shock. I told him not to announce it until I got a confirmation from my niece Jack who went to Melbourne last May 12. Last February I had her meet Lilia at SM to widen her network of friends and acquaintances over down under. They hit if off right away with Lilia telling her, "As soon as you arrive give me a call so we can run around shopping, I can show you where the church is and the nearest hospital, etc."
I sent Jack a message and an eMail and instructed her to find out about Lilias condition and give me confirmation. While I was on Facebook, another friend, Roxy asked me on the chat line about Lilia. Then I realized that she had a Facebook account. I clicked it and found her daughter Frieda's announcement of her Mom's wake and funeral schedule.
Frieda Sanchez
Viewing details for my Mom : White Lady Funerals, 25 Cooper Street, Epping. (Melway Ref: Map 182-C12. Wednesday & Thursday May 26-27 from 5pm to 10pm. Mass will be held at 7:30pm both nights. Funeral Service will be on Friday 28th of May @ 10am at St Francis of Assisi, 290 Childs Rd, Mill Park (Melway Ref: Map 9-J3). B...urial to follow at Northern Memorial Park, Box Forest Rd, Fawkner (Melway Ref: Map 17-D1)
It literally took my breath away and I got goosebumps knowing that yes, Lilia is indeed gone. I immediately sent a short announcement to some close friends and I also sent Frieda a message:
Hi Frieda,
I don't know if your Yahoo address is still any good...
Not sure if you remember me but we visited you in Japan in 2005, I think. Your Mom was our high school classmate.
We had the opportunity to be with her last February during our 40th Grand Reunion. We had a lot of fun going out, singing Karaoke, etc. I remember she sang really well. Please allow me to remember her that way; singing, laughing and just generally having fun.
With a heavy heart, I sent out an eMail last night announcing your Mom's passing to our friends and classmates.
We extend to you and the rest of the family prayers and heartfelt condolences.
Uncle Rey and Auntie Donna
To which she replied:
Thankyou Uncle Rey and Tita Donna!
Of course I still remember you!
Appreciate your kind words and prayers!
Mum spoke fondly of her reunion in the Phils!
She had lots of good memories!
And is now at peace with my dad and our God!
Thank you for being a friend to her.
Lots of love
Frieda
LILIA, Rest in Peace!
posted by reyjay @ 11:11 AM
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