Regina Ponio Jarabelo

On February 16, 2024, Our Mama, Grandmother, and Great-Grandmother, Regina P. Jarabelo peacefully passed at home with her loving family by her side at the age of 90. Since the beginning of her battle with cancer until her last breath, she was never alone.

She will be lovingly remembered by her son Rainier (Annalisa), and daughter Liza (Avelino), grandchildren Kristine (Alex), Karlo, Jamie (Ryan), Regine (Caolán), Christian (Steph), Kim, Luis, Amanda, and Ruth. Regina also had two great-grandchildren, Magnus and Calista.

A week following her passing, her beloved husband of 66 years, Carlos passed away to join her in heaven.

Predeceased by her daughter Grace (Rolando), her parents Eugenio and Maria Ponio, and siblings; Maxima, Ingo, Jose, Apolinario, Feliciano, Marcelino, Marciana, Consuelo.

Regina was born in Guagua, Pampanga, Philippines. She grew up in a large family with loving parents and she is the youngest of nine siblings. Nene, to some people, moved to Manila for school to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in pharmacy at the University of Santo Tomas. After University, she worked as a Pharmacist at the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) for over 30 years. While in Manila, she met her neighbour Carlos. He pursued her for months. He was chivalrous, charming, respectful, and generous. They experienced life together as a young couple in a big city and eventually got married on December 21, 1957. They happily raised three wonderful children, Grace (🕇), Rainier, and Liza. Regina and Carlos lived and were immigrants in the United States, but decided to come back to the Philippines to help raise their grandchildren. She retired in the 90s as a Pharmacist and rather than relaxing and enjoying retirement, she opened a business to keep her active, occupy her time and financially support her family.

Prior to moving to Canada, they were looked after by their son, Rainier while spending time with their three grandchildren in the Philippines. In 2013, they immigrated to Canada. While in Canada, they split their time between their daughter Grace, who lived in Vancouver, British Columbia and Liza, who lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba. They enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren who spoiled them with their favourite foods, taking them on trips and sightseeing.

The last ten years, she lived comfortably. She was full of life and had a positive energy within her. She met and got to know her great-grandchildren. She was showered with so much love and care from her family. She was the matriarch of our family.

Regina lived a life of generosity, selflessness, and service to her family, siblings, nieces and nephews. She was kind-hearted, hard working and prioritized other people before her own needs. This is her legacy, and this is how she will be lovingly remembered.

Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will take place at 10:00 am on March 2, 2024 at Thomson "In the Park" Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd. Internment will take place at Chapel Lawn Cemetery, 4000 Portage Ave.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff of the Winnipeg Regional Health Palliative program, Home and Health services, and Cancer Care Manitoba for their care, kindness and compassion during her Cancer journey. Thank you to our palliative coordinators, Sandi and Cory and nurses, and HCA for helping us fulfill Regina’s wish to stay home.