Edna Suasi Rillo

Edna was a remarkable woman whose quiet strength and steadfast love for her family shaped every aspect of her life. Her deep and abiding trust in God served as the foundation upon which she built a life of grace, purpose, and devotion. Born on October 14, 1940, in Manila, Philippines, she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the University of the East while simultaneously working in her father’s import-trading business—approaching both her studies and responsibilities with dedication, dependability, and sincere commitment.

In December 1963, Edna married Emiliano Rillo, and together they raised five children: Michael, Margareth, Patrick, Vivian, and Janet. As a wife, Edna was ardent in her faithfulness and patience; she always prioritized her husband’s well-being, consistently placing his needs and success above her own. As a mother and homemaker, she created a loving and nurturing home where her children felt safe, supported, and guided — instilling in them timeless values, strong faith, and steady love.

As her children entered their teenage years, Edna established a thriving restaurant business, showcasing her remarkable entrepreneurial drive. However, when her husband Emil expressed a desire to step away from the business to focus more on family, Edna gracefully and selflessly chose to let it go.

She loves to read, and it showed in the many books that filled her home, each one a testament to her lifelong love of learning and reflection. She also cherished life’s simple pleasures, like taking her time wandering through shops. Young Michael fondly remembers those shopping trips, how he would trail behind her, half amused and half tired, wondering how much longer they would be there, yet never wanting to be anywhere else but by his loving Mama’s side.

Even before she formally began serving in Church ministry, Edna’s talents already shone brightly. She had a natural gift for poetry reading—so much so that a professor once told the class her rendition of “The Bells” was the most resonant and powerful she had ever heard. Blessed with a beautiful voice, Edna also found joy in singing, especially sacred hymns, and eventually, she chose to channel this gift into proclaiming God’s Word — embracing a life of faithful service to the Catholic Church. She was also a devout member of the Legion of Mary, a lay Catholic organization committed to prayer, spiritual growth, and service to others.

As a devoted member of the Third Order of Carmel, Edna lived out the Carmelite spirit through a life steeped in prayer, humility, and quiet service. She drew profound inspiration from her beloved St. Teresa of Ávila, whose teachings on prayer and unshakable trust in God deeply shaped Edna’s spiritual journey. One passage from St. Teresa that especially anchored her soul was:

‘Let nothing disturb you. Let nothing frighten you. All things pass away. God never changes. Patience obtains all things. Those who have God lack nothing. God alone is enough.’”

Edna became an exceptional Mass Lector, using her sweet, gentle, great voice to inspire reverence and reflection in the hearts of the faithful. She served in several parishes—most notably as a regular at Santuario del Sto. Cristo in the Philippines, where she became President of the Ministry of the Word, and later at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish and St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Seattle. She proclaimed the Word of God with veneration, clarity, and conviction. Her children often gave thanks to God for the gift of their mother, especially when parishioners would approach her after Mass to express their gratitude for the grace and beauty with which she read the Scriptures.

Ever diligent in her preparation, she studied the readings ahead of time, seeking to fully grasp the depth of God’s message, and even pursued Theology courses to enrich her understanding and service. Her love for the Holy Scriptures was evident in her passionate and thoughtful delivery. Edna’s voice did more than deliver the text—it drew the faithful into sacred moments of reflection.

Beyond her ministry as a lector, Edna lived out her faith through active involvement in many parish programs. She taught catechism, led seminars for engaged couples preparing for marriage, guided couples, and godparents before baptisms, and promoted natural family planning. At one point, she was assigned by the parish priest to an international school to prepare children for their First Communion. After the ceremony, the Monsignor praised the catechist behind their formation, noting how exceptionally well-prepared the children were — a true testament to Edna’s efficiency and dedication. She faithfully served the Lord in every way she could, and her legacy of faith, love, and gentle strength will remain etched in our hearts forever.

Edna is lovingly remembered by her children, her sister Lydia, her grandchildren: Dominique, Gabrielle, Raphael, Louis Aaron, Janica, Angelica, and Paolo; her great-granddaughters Leilana and Addison Emiliana; her grandson-in-law Chantalom, her son-in-law Carlo; and daughters-in-law Debbie and Marivic. She is now reunited in eternal peace with her beloved husband Emil, her parents Catalino and Praxedes, and her sisters Zenaida, Vinda, and Perla.

Visitation to be held Friday, June 27, 2025 from 10:00AM-9:00PM (4:00PM Prayer Service and Remembrance); Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home 11111 Aurora Ave N. Seattle.

Recitation of the Rosary and Funeral Mass to be held Saturday, June 28 (Rosary 11:30AM followed by Funeral Mass); St. Matthew Parish 1240 NE 127th St. Seattle.

Committal Service to be held Monday, June 30; 11:30AM, Evergreen Washelli Memorial Park 11111 Aurora Ave. N. Seattle.