Ines F. Barretto

“In Celebration of Her Life”

Ines Mayor Barretto was kind, faithful, loving, and beautiful in spirit; a godly mother who filled our home with peace and our hearts with joy.

She was born on April 20, 1910, in San Narciso, Zambales; to Sixto Mayor and Anastacia Feria of San Felipe, Zambales. Ines outlived her three older brothers, Gavino, Silvestre, and Diomedes and her two younger sisters, Maria and Carmen. Her father died at age 103. Her mother passed away when Ines was only nine years old. It was tragic for the entire family. Young as she was, her loving uncles and aunts provided moral support for the family.

Ines was a well-rounded woman. Growing up she enjoyed teaching and caring for young children. She was athletic, playing volleyball, softball, running, and swimming. When it came to sports, everyone wanted to be on her team! Ines was also musically talented playing the harmonica, piano and guitar by ear.

At age 21, she married Geronimo Labrador Ugalde from San Felipe, Zambales. Both were blessed with a son, Archimedes and a daughter Corazon, whom she lost a few months after she was born. Not long enough to ease her sorrows she lost her husband due to illness. Ines’ strength was always drawn from her courage and strong will to pray.

Ines was a widow for six years, when her beauty and charisma captivated Antonio Mendaros Barretto from San Narciso, Zambales. They married and were blessed with seven children; Nellie married to John Obispo, Shirley to Eddie Tarrazona, Lillian to Robert Lane, Franklin to Norma Bagolor, Stillwell to Jocelyn Balbotin, Judith to Roberto Gatdula, and Elsie to Primo Lambino.

Motherhood had changed her life. She drew closer to the Lord by her fervent everyday prayers. Ines was a great motivator to the family. Her stories instilled values and had moral lessons. She always had the ability to impart inspirational words. Her favorite motto was, “Count your blessings one by one everyday and be grateful.”

Part of Ines’ dream was for her children to grow in wisdom and knowledge. She felt humbly honored pinning medals and ribbons of achievements to each of her children. In God’s way, her children achieved their chosen professions.

In February 1979, she migrated to America and lived in Corpus Christi, Texas. There she made friends and enjoyed the company of her grandchildren. Luckily at age 70 she easily adjusted. She traveled to California where she loved the weather. She moved to Virginia Beach, VA and traveled throughout the east coast and Canada. Living in Virginia, she especially enjoyed experiencing the four seasons.

Ines celebrated her centennial birthday with family and friends. Greatly having a positive attitude towards life played a very important role in longevity.

Ines was a mother who made a significant impact on the lives of her children, twenty-two grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren, and to others. Even at 102 years and 8 months old, her final days were joyful and her happy face remained. She went in peace with the Lord.