Amelita G. Dapar

It is with deep bittersweet sadness that we, the family of Amelita Ganura Dapar, announce her passing from this world and into the hands of our Creator on Thursday, April 13, 2023. Amelita was 84 years old.

Amelita, fondly called "Amet" or "Amie" by her family and friends, was born in Tandag, Surigao del Sur, Philippines. She was the second eldest child of Pilar Perez and Pedro Ganura.

Her eldest brother, Juanito, and two younger sisters, Emerita and Elenita, have all gone to heaven ahead of her and are probably singing and dancing with joy as they and all our family members who have passed are reunited with her.

We are consoled knowing that she is now with her son, Rey Anthony, her "golden boy," who passed away in 2020 and whom she missed so much.

Our Mama Amet is survived by her loving spouse of almost 62 years, Antonio. They were college sweethearts. She will stay forever in our Papa Tony's heart.

Mama's "little darling" daughter, Daryl, will carry through her love for music and arts, nature, reading, teaching, cooking, and all good, happy, and beautiful simple things in life.

Mama Amet's legacy will continue through her grandchildren, Rea Antonette, Rey Nicholas, Rea Jean, Rea Theresa, Rea Jerene, Patrick Daniel, Carlo Rafael, Kaye, and Fontana. Her beautiful life story will be passed on to her great-grandchildren – Franchesca, Xedrey Graey, Xednic, Xedric, and Maya.

Her four-pawed grandchildren, Kamu and Charlie, are already missing her voice and lovely songs, and her blueberries and apples she sneaks in and hands to them as extra treats. In the Philippines, her four-pawed great-grandchild, Vida, will miss her voice on their video chats.

Her daughter-in-law, Jeana Dapar (Rey Anthony's wife), and son-in-law, Caesar Omiles (Daryl's husband), will miss her. Still, our families will continue to feel her strong presence and influence as we remain one family, helping and supporting each other.

Mama Amet's only living sister, Estrella Gopez, will always remember her kindness and motherly traits. Her thoughtfulness will never be forgotten.

Amelita graduated from the University of Southern Philippines in Cebu City with a Bachelor's Degree in Education, majoring in Home Economics, in 1960. She taught at St. Theresa's College and Jacinto P. Elpa High School in her hometown, Tandag. Her stellar performance and dedication to teaching earned her the promotion to become the Provincial Division Supervisor under the Ministry of Education. She was a scholar twice at the Philippine Normal College, earning two master's degrees, the first one, her Master of Arts in Education - Home Economics, and the second, in the Filipino Language. In 1978, she accepted another promotion, moving from Tandag to Manila as a linguistic researcher and specialist at the Filipino Language Research Center. In her more than 27 years of working for the Philippine Ministry/Department of Education, Amelita wrote books on studying the Filipino language and literature pieces in some local dialects. Some of her books are archived at the Philippine National Library. Her contribution to the conversion of the Philippine National Language from Tagalog to Filipino is a legacy she leaves with her family. She was a Philippine treasure in her own right.

Amie was beautiful inside and out. She always smiled and was very kind and friendly. She was musically talented, too, gifted with an angelic voice. She was always asked to sing at church and on special occasions. She was a lead soprano for the Philippines Ministry/Department of Education Chorale. She was loved by her audience and those she worked with dearly.

Our beloved Familia Cagaycay (Perez, Ganura, Dapar), Mama's cousins, nieces, and nephews have many memories and stories to tell and pass on to the next generations. Mama Amet touched many lives and helped many people in her lifetime, and we are overwhelmed with overflowing love and prayers.

Our Mama Amet passed away, living her life in a full circle. Her dream of becoming an American Citizen came true in 2022. Spending her last years with Papa and our family in Elk Grove, California, we are grateful to God as we were able to return her love and show her and Papa our appreciation for all their sacrifices for our family. Mama's love will remain in our hearts forever.

A visitation for Mama Amet will be held Tuesday, April 25, 2023, from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM at DeYoung Shoreline Chapel, 7676 Shoreline Dr, Stockton, California 95219.

A mass of Christian burial will occur Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at 10:00 AM at St. Michael's Catholic Church, 5882 N. Ashley Lane, Stockton, California.

Mama's body will be finally laid to rest on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at Stockton Rural Cemetery, 2350 Cemetery Lane, Stockton, California.

Serving as pallbearers are Patrick Villanueva, Carlo Villanueva, Caesar Omiles, JC Cayabyab, Mario Matabilas, and Venchito Ajos.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.deyoungshorelinechapel.com for the Dapar family.