Llewelyn Tan Labio

It is with the greatest sorrow that we announce the passing of Dr. Llewelyn Labio, a beloved member of our family and community, who passed away on June 21, 2024 due to complications during a routine heart surgery. Llewelyn was born on April 12, 1981 and lived a life full of passion, brilliance, and courageous adventure.

Llewelyn was a cherished friend, devoted family member, and an amazing mother. She was a beautiful being who touched the hearts and minds of everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Her audacious spirit was difficult to ignore, and she made the most of it to influence the world around her.

Throughout her life, Llewelyn was known for her unwavering dedication to living life to the absolute fullest. She brought joy and inspiration to those around her with her ability to be unapologetically herself. Whether through her specific actions, work, or professional achievements, Llewelyn always strived to make the most of any situation or challenge that crossed her path.

At her core, Llewelyn was a loving and devoted mother to her two children, Nico and Reylyn. Her children were the light of her life, and she was always there to support them, with anything and everything. She spent her days shuffling the kids to and from practice, games, performances, and play dates as well as instilling in them a passion for education and success. She was always there to support and guide them with love and wisdom.

In her life, Llewelyn encountered many obstacles, but somehow she managed to make each obstacle a stepping stone to reach the heights of her fondest dreams and goals.

Llewelyn went back to school at the age of 35, after having both of her children. She began her educational career at Southwestern Community College where she quickly received her Associates in Communication and transferred to San Diego State University. Only a few years later she moved on to getting her bachelors and entering into a masters program, minoring in Leadership Studies.

Her master's thesis, "738 Days and a Wake Up: An Autoethnography," showcased her deep commitment to understanding and advocating for those in challenging circumstances. During her time at San Diego State University she was also an officer of the Graduate Student Organization, member of Society for Communication and Leadership and also stayed involved in Project Rebound.

Her last major accomplishment was her award-winning dissertation, 'Embracing the Messiness’ was nominated for dissertation of the year by the William P. Foster Outstanding Dissertation Award. Her mentors described her as a leader amongst her peers, a bright light, and a storyteller with an abundance of stories, a hunger for learning and a passion for teaching. Mentionable, is her recent Opinion piece in the Union Tribune, ‘I encourage my Students to turn their challenges into opportunities'.

Llewelyn was an exemplary citizen, contributing to her community in all the ways that time would allow her to. She served as the Coordinator at the University of San Diego Leadership Studies Minor from 2018-2022. Here she successfully redesigned several courses to include diversity and inclusion, essentially, changing the direction of the minor altogether. She was the Faculty Advisor for the Rising Scholars Bayan Student Organizations, the Tri Chair of Chai (API Employee Affinity Group), Advancing Equity Teaching Academy Mentor, Field of Study Faculty Lead for ARTS, Communication, Design & Media. She was also active on the board for the San Diego State University Children’s Center.

Llewelyn made significant contributions to the community. Through her work with the Southwestern College Second Chance Program and her classes she held for Donovan Prison inmates, she dedicated herself to helping individuals rebuild their lives and find new opportunities.

Llewelyn was an esteemed educator, holding a tenure-track faculty professor position at Southwestern Community College. She was known for her confidence and her contagious curiosity that she inspired in her students, colleagues and even her mentors.

Llewelyn is survived by her mother and father, Napoleon and Luz Labio, her two younger sisters, Brendalyn and Stacelyn Labio, her two children, Nico and Reylyn Rakes, her niece, Alani Simsuangco, and her four nephews, Noah Apostol, AJ Simsuangco, Ahmi Rodriguez and Alijah Santos, her best friend and cousin Meilene Vera Cruz, her god daughter Jasmine Gayoso, and her Life Partner who she described as her twin flame, Dave Renzella. She also leaves behind her many aunts, uncles, cousins, second cousins, friends and colleagues, who will forever hold her memory close to their hearts. She will be remembered as a vision of devotion, strength and beauty.

A celebration of Llewelyn's life will be held on July 13, 2024 at Glen Abbey Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to support her children at https://gofund.me/514daaa0 , in efforts to help support the legacy she worked tirelessly to build for her beloved Nico and Reylyn.

Llewelyn Labio's legacy of determination, kindness, strength and purpose, will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. May her energy continue to inspire through the people she influenced and the work she left behind.