Josefina Ramos Audar

Josefina Ramos Audar was born on January 19, 1940, in Plaridel, Bulacan, Philippines, to Anicia Mendoza and Luis Ramos. She was the youngest of three children and was preceded in death by her sister Felicidad and her brother Carlos. After the untimely passing of her father, she was raised in her mother’s hometown of Rizal, Nueva Ecija, where her mother remarried Tomas Duque and welcomed three more children: Manuel, Elvira (deceased), and Elenita.

It was in Nueva Ecija that she met the love of her life, Miguel Audar, while they were both part of a wedding entourage in the late 1950s, a meeting that would begin a lifelong devotion. They were married on September 20, 1958, and shared 51 years of partnership. They fondly called each other “Leng,” a tender term of endearment meaning “darling,” and together faced life’s joys and trials hand in hand. She faithfully upheld her vows of “in sickness and in health,” caring for Miguel through his long-term illnesses with quiet endurance and unwavering devotion until his passing in December 2009. Even during the years when Miguel’s health was failing, their love remained tender and alive. On quiet mornings, it was not unusual to find them in the living room, dancing cheek to cheek, holding each other close. It was a simple, beautiful reflection of a love that endured through every season.

Josefina and Miguel raised their six children, Merilyne (Jeriel Nemis), Virgilio (Imelda Lazaro), Anicia (Potenciano Aberin), Miguel Jr. (Myla Anasco), Wilson (Dolores De Leon), and Noel (Jocelyn Santos), with deep faith and steadfast dedication in the Philippines. In 1991, they immigrated to the United States and eventually settled in Seattle, Washington, where they were reunited with two of their children and their families. In her later years, she spent cherished time in the Philippines surrounded by her growing family before returning to the United States to live with her eldest daughter Merilyne and her family in Torrance, California, where she spent her final years enveloped in love.

Josefina passed away peacefully on February 11, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones. She had just celebrated her 86th birthday, a joyful gathering where friends and family traveled from near and far to be with her. It was a beautiful reminder of the many lives she had touched and the deep love that surrounded her.

She was a blessing to those fortunate enough to have known her. A devoted wife, loving mother, and doting grandmother, she lived her life fearlessly and gave her love generously. A faithful child of God, she was admired for her strength of spirit, a strength that inspired and paved the way for her children and grandchildren.

Affectionately known as “Pining,” she was both a force to be reckoned with and a warm embrace to come home to. She was known for her strong commitment to cleanliness and order. Everything had its place. Though she cooked constantly, her kitchen somehow always smelled fresh and clean, a quiet reflection of her pride in her home. Family members lovingly teased her for being so particular, knowing that her careful attention was simply another expression of love.

Her laughter came easily. It did not take much to make her laugh, and once it began, it was infectious. She had a sharp wit and lively sense of humor that kept everyone on their toes. She spoke her mind freely and had a stubborn streak, but it was always rooted in genuine love and concern. Beneath her firmness was a mother and grandmother whose heart was soft, whose loyalty was unwavering, and whose love was constant. Her children knew they could always count on her to listen, to speak her truth with love, and to stand firmly beside them through life’s trials.

She leaves behind 19 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, all of whom adored their Lola. She wore the title of “Lola” with pride. She and Miguel played a meaningful role in the lives of many of their grandchildren, helping to raise and guide them with protection, wisdom, and affection. More than gifts, she gave each grandchild the lasting gift of feeling cherished and special simply because they were hers.

She lived a rich and well-lived life, facing every season with courage. From her early years in the Philippines to building a life across two continents, she embraced both the joys and the hardships that came her way. She witnessed change, endured loss, celebrated milestones, and stood steady through life’s highs and lows. Through it all, she remained a constant beacon of hope and strength for her family.

Her life continues to inspire the generations that follow. In her example, we see what it means to be strong without losing tenderness, steady without losing warmth, and brave without losing grace.

Though her final years were quieter, the love she poured into this family still echoes in every corner of our lives. We take comfort in knowing she is reunited with her beloved Leng.

Thank you, Lola, for teaching us to love fiercely, speak honestly, live faithfully, and face life with courage. Your legacy lives on in all of us.