Benita Morano Garcia

Benita Virginia Morano Garcia (Mama) was born December 29, 1941 and peacefully passed away surrounded by her family September 11, 2022. The youngest daughter of Brigida Manaog-Morano and Pablo Morano, she was the loving widow of Hermenegildo Macaraig Garcia (deceased 2014).

Beloved mother of Sofia Edwina M. Garcia-Arpilleda (widow of Alfonso 'Al' Arpilleda, Jr.), Andrea Maria Magdalena M. Garcia, Herminia Teresita M. Garcia-Burr (husband: Steven Burr and widow of David John Reeleder), Vivian Michelle M. Garcia-Deveau (husband: Kevin Deveau), Hazel Perla M. Garcia (deceased 1972) and Ryan Joseph M. Garcia.

Grandmother of Marianne Criselda Arpilleda-Reoliquio (widow of Mark Reoliquio), Karl Cyr Arpilleda (wife: Daz Arpilleda), Ronald Christopher Arpilleda (wife: Rich Hitchon), Gabrielle Carina Garcia-Arpilleda, Justin John Paul Garcia-Reeleder, Jaime Blair Deveau and Tyler Joseph Deveau (wife: Alessandra 'Allie' Furtado).

Great-grandmother to Denver Arpilleda-Reoliquio, Krystal Denise Arpilleda, Railey Arpilleda, Ram Arpilleda and Noah Deveau.

Mama leaves behind her older sister Melicia Morano-Echavez; sisters-in-law, Isabella Morano and Veronica Garcia. Known to our extended family as Mama Beben and Auntie Virgie, she was a second mother to many of her nieces and nephews. She made numerous friends in her lifetime.

Her love for her family was second to none. The only thing that came close was her love for her movie idol, Fernando Poe, Jr. (FPJ). During the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, she managed to watch all of FPJ's movies online - not just twice, but at least three times. Her favourite entertainment stars included Susan Roces and Nora Aunor. Fiercely loyal, she lived with unwavering support for the political dynasty of Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos.

God-fearing and independent, she lived a full and happy life. She told vivid stories - from her first childhood memories of U.S. General Douglas McArthur's landing in her hometown province of Tacloban, Leyte that signalled the beginning of the end of World War II in the Philippines; her growing up believing in all supernatural creatures; her life as a young woman finding her own way in the city of Manila and finally falling in love with Papa. Her strong Catholic faith, will and determination, helped her survive both breast and lung cancer. Mama lived her life on her own terms. All her experiences are lessons her children will never forget.

Mama joined Papa and Hazel in heaven way too soon. They are forever in our hearts.

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