Francisca Olosan

March 9, 1923-May 3, 2012

Francisca "Pancing" Patacsil Olosan joined our Creator and her husband in the Celestial Kingdom on May 3, 2012. She was 89.

She is survived by eight daughters and a son: Virginia Morada, Angelita Caldwell, Aurea Liporada, Regina Lopez, Almario Olosan, Asuncion Gutierrez, Gloria Boyd, Bibian Abrea, and Emily Olosan. She is also survived by 26 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandchild; a brother, Julian Patacsil; and two sisters, Maria Encomienda and Editha Flores.

An Ilocana from Bauang, La Union, Philippines, she flaunts her being a full-time housekeeper and raised her family in Baguio City with Ignacio Olosan, a US Navy retiree. A staunch guide to her children, they grew to become medical professionals, military personnel and model employees, all serving in the United States. She also extended her loving support to countless relatives and others who were blessed with her generosity.

Lola, as she is endearingly addressed as grandma, remains to be an inspiration to her clan to which she stood as Matriarch. Raymond Caldwell, a great-grandson, has this to say: "I celebrate the life of my Lola, Francisca Olosan. Rooted in my Lola was the strength of a million Bengal tigers, an unshakable faith the Pope himself would admire, and a love for all those she met in her journey of life. As a child I'd sit in wonder watching her; wondering if she knew how truly magical she was to mewondering how she became so strongwondering if I could be as strong when I grew up. So perhaps now, that strength is being tested as I'm asked to say goodbye to her. It is within Lola that my family and I find the roots of our compassion, resilience, and strength. We stand today with our heads held high because Lola wouldn't want it any other way."

Her post-war theme song with Grandpa Ignacio conveys her parting message: Manila Memory You told me you love me, Yet you went away, To the land where no one cares, You have flown like a humming bee, Take me with you, Manila memory. When you are sad, When you are glad, Play the sweet melody, Manila memory, I'll always love, Like a cooing dove, Take me with you, Love and be free

Viewing for "Pancing" will be from 3 to 9 p.m. on on Thursday, May 10, and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 11, at Funeraria del Angel Conrad's and James Reardon, 401 W. Channel Islands Blvd., Oxnard. Requiem mass will be at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 12, at Mary Star of the Sea Priory, 463 W. Pleasant Valley Rd., Oxnard. Interment will follow at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, 5400 Valentine Rd., Ventura.