Vanessa Lea Laberinto Casison-Ding

Vanessa was born in San Diego, on Saturday, August 22nd, 1981. She was baptized at St Gabriel’s Church in Poway and received the sacraments of first communion and confirmation at St. Michael’s Church. On Saturday, July 1st, 2006, Vanessa and Kevin Ding were blessed in the sacrament of marriage at St. Michael’s in Poway. They celebrated 17 amazing years of marriage together.

Vanessa was a wonderful loving wife, an amazing "mama" to her furbabies, and a caring and compassionate friend to all. She had an innate ability to touch deeply into people's hearts, leaving indelible impressions that will not be forgotten.

Vanessa absolutely loved to glorify the Lord and her goal each week was to bring joy and inspiration to the congregation through her readings as a Lector. Outside of church, Vanessa spent 18 years working for the department of Social Services & Disability. Vanessa found true fulfillment helping people in need and prayed tirelessly for the intentions of her family, friends, coworkers and even strangers or anonymous people she met or had visions of.

Vanessa's boundless strength came from her devout love of God and she shared that strength and love of God selflessly with anyone and everyone. She battled her cancer with poise, grace and humility, never once complaining or becoming despondent. Her smile would light up any room and people always gravitated towards her. Even as her health began to fail, Vanessa never stopped thinking or giving to others and made extraordinary sacrifices and efforts to comfort all of her loved ones.

As we remember Vanessa, let us celebrate her memory by following the teachings of Jesus that she so perfectly demonstrated through her kindness, patience, generosity, forgiveness and above all, LOVE.

"When one finds a worthy wife, her value is far beyond pearls. Her husband, entrusting his heart to her, has an unfailing prize. She brings him good, and not evil, all the days of her life."

- Proverbs 31:10-12