Celia Santayana Lemire

Today, we honor a woman of extraordinary warmth and love – my dear mother, a dedicated wife, and beloved friend to all. She was the foundation of our family and the one we turned to for everything. She had so much wisdom and an enduring supply of love for everyone. Her hands held, her heart cared, and her spirit inspired. She was our teacher, our guide, and our greatest supporter. Her legacy of love and resilience will live on in each of us.

She was born in San Andres Bukid, a suburb of Manila, Philippines to Feliciano Cruz and Estrella Deunida and along with her two sisters, Norma and Elvira, they managed to live a simple life and instilled the highest cultural and moral values to all of us.

She sacrificed more that we will ever know and even when she was putting everyone else before herself, she still made time to listen to all our problems. She was a woman of grace and courage, with a stubborn streak that showed up when she set her mind to accomplish something. Her love and kindness were infused in everything that she did, and she had a magical way of brining joy every time she walked into a room.

Everyone who was fortunate enough to know her was in awe of everything she achieved. And the warmth and happiness she brought to us cannot be overstated. We loved her with more words could possibly say and she will live on in our hearts forever.

A special bond that spans the years.

Through laughter, worry, smiles, and tears.

A sense of trust that can’t be broken,

a depth of love sometimes unspoken.

A lifelong friendship built on sharing,

hugs and kisses,warmth and caring.

Her heart and ours together as one.

A link that can never be undone.