Sabina Viray Sapida

The Proverbs talk of the noble woman, who gets up while it is still night to provide food for her family. Many a woman can lay claim to that title, perhaps none more deserving than Sabina. At its most literal, the loving wife and mother to a brood of eight had, for a time, run a canteen for the bus company her husband’s aunt ran in the bustling city of Las Piñas. In a country where small food hubs were always in abundance, Sabina's was inviting for the warm presence of the woman who tended to it, and the delicious scents that would waft from the covered dishes on display. When her family later moved to Malagasang, a small barangay in the province of Cavite, Sabina set up shop right outside their home, selling the same homecooked meals they ate as a family.

Putting food on the table for the people of her community was but one of the ways she put food on theirs. She would get up before the crack of dawn to tend to their small grumble of pigs and then sell harvested vegetables in the market—and still, she'd make it in time to send her kids off to school with their bellies full. She could always find a way to make even the simplest meal special—even if they're just onions the entire family spent Saturday morning harvesting.

Food was, among many things, one of Sabina's great joys. As her Savior ministered by the feeding of the hungry, so had she used her God-given talents in cooking to feed body and soul. More than once, family would come to her, and not ever did they find her table empty. Food was more than physical sustenance; it was a reason to sit with her awhile, tell her of their woes. Over warm meals, her children—nieces and nephews—friends and family alike would be invited to share lives. Her wisdom, born of a life that knew hardship but recognized God's sovereignty through it, would overflow like honey, sweet to the soul and honey to the bones. What would begin with a meal would evolve into deep conversations that testified to the goodness of God. She had a generosity about her; she was sensitive to the needs of whomever she came in contact. Her very presence was a comfort.

The warmth with which she comforted and ministered to others stemmed from an intimate relationship with the Father. Never did she start her day without seeking His face and His will. As it’s wont, life was never easy. And yet her faith in the One who provides, protects, and defends had carried her through trials and tribulations. It was this faith that is her lasting legacy. To the end, she had a joy that transcended pain and loss. For Sabina, she had every reason to be thankful: the food that her children prepared for her without fail; comfort from loved ones that staved off the consequence of old age; and, the steadfast love of He whom she served faithfully all the days of her life.

Parting is, as the Bard put it, sweet sorrow. And yet while there is grieving for a time, there is also rejoicing in knowing that God's faithful servant has been called home. Proverbs 31 ends with honor for the noble woman, with praise for the works of her hands. Those she leaves behind call her blessed and commend her to their Savior, for now she has her fill.

Survivors include her children, Danilo Sapida, Priscila Ruffy, Elvira Cachola, Sonia Sapida, Patricia De Guzman, Noemi Angeles, Miriam Dominguez and Roel Sapida; fourteen grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 27, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home.

Funeral services are pending at UCCP Sabang Church of Christ Disciples, 410 Don Placido Campos Avenue, Dasmarinas, 4115 Cavite. Interment will follow at Manila Memorial Park.

Friends may offer condolences at www.kellumfuneralhome.com