Ofelia T. Hennis

Ofelia Dadoylan Tiozon was born to Hilario Tiozon and Pelagia Dadoylan in 1948. She grew up in Eastern Samar in the Philippines. Despite her upbringing, and without support or a plan, she beat several odds — leaving her safe and familiar province and family in 1976 to start a new life alone in a foreign country and culture, learning a new language, and working various full-time jobs until she finally gave birth to her daughter, Alicia, in 1983.

In 1981, she met her future husband, Filmore Hennis. Two years later they married, eventually settling into a home together in San Diego, California, where they stayed for the next forty years until her tragic death on May 26th, 2023. Together with Fil, during those forty years she raised their two children Alicia and Cammy, then welcomed their grandchildren Zavier in 2004, and Alazah in 2011. She made the house a home, not only for her husband and children, but always gave a warm welcome to all.

Anyone who has met Ofelia, also known as Faye, will never be the same. She showed kindness and compassion to everyone regardless of where you've been and what you looked like, she shared her eternal heart and light while asking for nothing in return. She was selfless. She never left arguments unresolved, never used anyone for personal gain, and always put her family first. As a child growing up in poverty, she would make sure her siblings were fed first before eating. Although her gentleness occasionally attracted vulgar people, she never changed to become like them. She remained gracious and kept her heart open, with which she achieved her dreams.

A home is not a building. It's someone who creates a safe space, who always reminds you that you have somewhere to go when the world gets overwhelming. Who constantly reminds you that you matter. Tells you that you are loved. For a lot of people Faye was home, even if not in the same household.

In early May of 2023, Faye collapsed in her home. Despite her strength and love for her family, she wasn't able to win against the hard, long battle as she lie in the hospital. At the age of 74, on a sunny Friday on May 26th, she passed away, leaving her still distraught family. She will be missed, and her memories will forever be cherished. She is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, and everyone else she is remembered and loved by.

On Thursday, June 22nd, Faye was moved a final time to her grave at the Miramar National Cemetery. United by our love for her, we will continue to carry her light that she planted in all of our hearts.

We, the family, thank all who are showing their support through such immense pain. We encourage you to visit www.dignitymemorial.com (search Obituaries for 'Ofelia T. Hennis') to please share your memories of Ofelia, and we greatly appreciate each and every one of your condolences. Lastly, treasure your loved ones. There is nowhere that death cannot go.