Viraldia Sibucao Franco

Viraldia “Vi” or “Viray” Sibucao Franco was born in the Philippines on June 8, 1949, to parents, Raymundo Sr. and Victoria Sibucao. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family and loved ones on November 4, 2023, in Hollywood, Florida at 74 years of age.

Vi was raised in Batac, Ilocos Norte. As a child, she attended the Batac Central School, now known as the Mariano Marcos Memorial Elementary School. In high school at the Batac Institute, she was consistently an honor student. She was also one of the leaders of the Barangay Brigade in the Municipality of Batac and an adviser of the Kabataang Barangay. She continued her higher education at Arellano University in Manila and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1968.

In 1968, Vi serendipitously met her husband, Edward "Ed" Tovera Franco, while she cared for his mother at the Valdez Memorial Hospital in Batac. He became her crush. Vi and Ed often told their children about a sweet story during their courtship when, one night, he decided to serenade her outside of her window. His grand plan was to sing on top of a van, accompanied by live music performed by his friends and their band. Alas, such sweet and romantic intention quickly turned comedic when at execution, the group found out that they had been singing outside of her parents’ window instead! 

Vi and Edward married in a civil ceremony on January 28, 1972. Less than 3 months later, on April 8, 1972, they publicized their vows with a traditional wedding in a chapel for everyone to witness their love. They went on to have six children and were blessed with eight grandchildren. 

Vi was a gentle soul who dedicated her life in helping others. She worked as a nurse in the United States and the Philippines. She began her nursing career at the Valdez Memorial Hospital in Batac (1968 - 1973) and subsequently worked as a registered nurse (RN) at Sparks Regional Medical Center in Fort Smith, Arkansas (1974-1979 and 1983-1988). From 1979 - 1982, she taught Fundamentals of Nursing at the College of Nursing at Mariano Marcos State University in Batac, where she was an adviser during university school debates, and served as one of the representatives of the college. 

In 1986, she and Edward decided to move their family to the United States, initially residing in Arkansas. In 1988, the family moved to South Florida, where Vi continued her work as an RN in several hospitals in Miami, but she ultimately dedicated over 23 years of service at Jackson Memorial Hospital, where she eventually retired. Her career in the healthcare industry spanned over 40 years!

Vi was a very active and devoted deaconess in the Church of Christ (Iglesia Ni Cristo). She was president of the Light of Salvation and Buklod (married brethren) Christian Family Organization. Her dedication to the church led to converting her family into the fold. She loved God and the church and always taught her children never to miss worship services, to follow God and do the works of the Lord at all times.

Vi is preceded by her parents, her aunts who were like parents, Prudencia Sibucao and Guadalupe Sibucao, her youngest brother, Rayvic Sibucao, her first granddaughter, Jasmine Paige Bonnardel, and her niece, Odessa “Zsazsa” Victoria (Brett) Beres. She is survived by her loving husband, her children; Edvira Gay “Edee” Franco, Edyvi Anne (Neil Steven) Bonnardel, Edward Boon Franco Jr., Evee Joan (Luis Edmundo “Mundo”) Martinez, Evibeth Rhona (Tarek “TK” Gaby) Bathiche, and Evijohn Jesse Franco. She also leaves behind her grandchildren; Kyle Steven and Dylan Riley Bonnardel; Anthony Tarek, Sophia Jade, and Nicholas “Niko” Alan Bathiche; Daniel “Danny” Luis and Mya Emily Martinez; and Edward James “EJ” Franco. She leaves behind her two sisters, Viraluz (Robert) Raguindin, Veronica “Milda” Manligas, and brother, Raymundo “Boying” (Marissa) Sibucao, together with cousins, numerous nieces and nephews, her many "adopted" sons and daughters, and all her brothers and sisters in the faith. She will be greatly missed by many. 

Vi was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and sister to everyone. She was well loved, respected and an inspiration to others. She was an epitome of meekness, humility, and warm-hearted virtues as easily discernible through her soft-spoken and affable demeanor. She was very kind, hardworking and generous, not only to her loved ones, but to everyone she met. Above all else, she loved God and always strived to live a life of holiness in accordance with God’s will. 

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."

2 Timothy 4:7-8

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