Maria Mariquit Tonio

Maria Mariquit Tongo Tonio

March 11, 1938 – March 10, 2015

Maria Mariquit Tongo Tonio passed away at the Vancouver General Hospital on Tuesday, March 10, 2015 of cardiac arrest and complications from acute kidney injury.

She was born on March 11, 1938 in Viga, Catanduanes, Philippines to Juan del Rosario Tonio (1896-1934) and Juliana Osero Tongo (1898-1972). Mariquit is the youngest of the five children. She has been predeceased by her sisters: Virginia Tonio Velasco, Salvacion Tonio Lizaso, and brothers; Jose Tongo Tonio, and Serafin Tongo Tonio Sr.

Known for her independence, her determination in life, and strong faith in God, Mariquit embarked on a great life adventure in hopes for a better future for herself and for the family she had left in the Philippines. She immigrated to Canada in 1969 as soon as she earned her degree in Bachelor of Science: Pharmacology. She made a nice home in Vancouver, BC and established a career in the Health Industry. She worked for London Drugs and Lions Gate Lodge (now Capilano Care Centre) for years until she retired in 2003.

Mariquit travelled with her wonderful friends and family to various places in Europe, Asia, and within North America. In Asia, she always found a home in Quezon City where she used to live. She spent many occasions visiting her extended family including many of her nieces, nephews, grandnieces & grandnephews. Her presence and visits were always anticipated and enjoyed by everyone. In North America, she often visited her sister and nephew in California, too.

Throughout Auntie Mariquit’s life she maintained a sweet and simple demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many. Her sense of inner happiness and contentment were definitely something that she always brought with her wherever she went. Her constant reassurance and generosity provided hope to many individuals and families. Mariquit was a very influential part of the Tonio clan. She took pride in being able to help and be there for her sisters and brothers and their families. She treated them as if they were her own.

A devout Catholic and a woman of great faith, she was always open to sharing her religion and spirituality with family and friends. She was an active member of St. Patrick's Parish. She had pure love and dedication to reading The Holy Bible and to reflect. A wonderful listener, a great cook and a meticulous baker, she delighted in having family and friends over. For many years, when she was able to, she gathered everyone together during holidays and other special occasions. She made her home on Ontario Street a home for many. She hosted family members when they visited or arrived to Vancouver. Her unwavering faith in God gave her more strength to share inner peace and be of help to many people – family and friends. Mariquit had the most kind and giving heart.

She will be missed greatly by everyone who loves her: members of her extended family, many friends and co-workers here in British Columbia, in the Philippines, and in other parts of the world.

Services Information for friends and family of Maria Mariquit Tongo Tonio: There will be a vigil and prayers on Wednesday, March 18, 2015 at 7pm to 9pm at St. Patrick's Parish on 2881 Main Street, Vancouver, BC.

The Funeral Mass is at 10:30am-11:30am at St. Patrick's Parish followed by the burial at Ocean View Cemetery, 4000 Imperial Street, Burnaby, BC.

A Poem for Lola Mariquit

You can shed tears that she is gone

Or you can smile because she has lived

You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back

Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left

Your heart can be empty because you can't see her

Or you can be full of the love that you shared

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live for yesterday

Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday

You can remember her and only that she is gone

Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back

Or you can do what she would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

- Written 1981, David Harkins (1959-) Silloth, Cumbria, UK