God blessed this world with the birth of Conseulo “Connie” Ladines Orante-Bersamira on July 11, 1950 in Baguio, Philippines. She was the sixth of eight siblings in her family. Mom attended St. Louis Girl’s Catholic High School and graduated with the class of 1966. She studied at St. Louis University and Baguio General Hospital School of Nursing where she received her nursing degree in 1970.
Mom arrived in the United States as a registered nurse at the young age of 19. She blessed many patients with her loving care as an RN for over 30 years – first at Hillside Hospital and Grossmont Hospital, then finally retiring from Kaiser Permanente Hospital in Zion after over 25 years of service there. While at Kaiser, she was part of a community of loving friends who all worked hard and “played hard”. Mom was always a joy to work with as many have attested. She is remembered for her quick wit, frank disposition, laughter and giving nature.
God never gave anything to mom that she couldn’t handle. She was a breast cancer survivor in 1992 undergoing chemotherapy and surgery and again last year in 2019 with a second surgery. She was a stroke survivor in 2000 where learned to talk and walk and do everything in life all over again. Her faith in God and strength from her inner spirit guided her through those times – and most importantly, inspired us all to live life as she did – with a trust in the Lord and a passion to be His true servant. As the Lord’s true servant, Mom was always there for everyone – literally. There isn’t a person who knew her that can’t say she helped them in one way or another. Our family called her our Living Angel, as she was always there to “nurse” the family with her loving care. As a sister, she had such a deep love for her siblings and always rejoiced in their successes. She was their shoulder to cry on, hospital advocate and counsel for advice. Her service as a devout Catholic was also evident in everything she did for her brothers and sisters in Christ.
Mom was not only a servant, but as a survivor of many things, she lived life with a passion like no other. Her voice carried joy, humor, and love at every reunion she attended with her beloved classmates. She traveled to destinations that gave her an exhilarating sense of being part of a bigger world with bigger dreams. Yes, she had bigger dreams – dreams of raising her four grandchildren with a love that surpasses a million lifetimes. She was blessed with the grandchildren of her dreams, and in turn, they will always be blessed by the joyous memories of their Grandma Connie. The memories will continue to embrace them and comfort them throughout their lives.
She is survived by her loving and devoted husband Bramie; dedicated and loyal children Bernard and Jennifer; along with their honored spouses Nani and Allan; and of course the blessed grandchildren Bella-Emerie, Bianca-Faith, Jeremiah Chase, and Leila Constance. We as a family are grateful to God for blessing us with her in our lives.
Mom leaves behind a legacy that goes beyond words. Her legacy is that feeling you get when the Lord touches our hearts – that’s mom. Mom, although we won’t be able to see you again, we’ll feel you in our hearts forever.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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