Maria Elena Ilagan

Elena was born in Manila, Philippines to parents Melquiades & Elisa Ibanez. Her father’s work as a career diplomat with the Philippine Foreign Affairs Department allowed Elena to live in many parts of the world, including New York, Seattle, and Rome. She married Conrado Ilagan, whom she met in Seattle while both were students at the University of Washington. They moved back to Manila after their marriage in New York, raised six beloved children, and eventually migrated to Canada in 1975.

Elena is survived by her 6 children and their partners, George (Paul), Michael (Carole), Robert (Luz), David (Nanette), Melissa (Angelo), and Kenneth (Wendy), 12 grandchildren, Chris, Lauren, Dominic, Chiara, Jonathan, Francis, Stephen, Michelle, Marie, Abigail, Rachel, Jordan, and 4 great-grandchildren, Sophie, Ellie, Brie, & Luzia.

As a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and Catholic, Elena lived an eventful and fulfilling life. A vital part of her life has been her strong faith and belief in God. She began each day with prayers & the rosary. She was an active member of St. Stephen’s Parish in North Vancouver, and will be fondly remembered by her many friends as a loving and kind person. May God bless her spirit.

A Funeral Mass will be held on March 24th, 12:00 pm at St. Stephen’s Catholic Parish in North Vancouver with Fr. Mark Schwab officiating.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the funeral will be held for immediate family. The funeral mass will be live-streamed by First Memorial Funeral Services. https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/26318.