Manuela Doreza

Manuela Roxas Doreza, 92 went to her heavenly home on Thursday, July 21, 2022. She was born to the late Felicisimo Roxas and Aurora Martinez Gavilan, October 7, 1929, in Iloilo, Philippines. She married Paterno Miciano Doreza on May 15, 1950, and they lived in Iloilo City, Philippines until 1973, moved to Michigan in 1973, then relocated to Burbank, CA in 2010.

Manuela, (Mani/Nela) loved by her late husband Paterno M. Doreza and survived by her three children: Elena Szilvagyi and husband David, of Burbank, CA; Arturo Doreza and wife Carmela, of West Bloomfield, MI; and Gregory Doreza and wife Wendy, of Orion, MI. She is also survived by six grandchildren: Michelle Klimek, Christine Szilvagyi, Jennifer Dionne, Jonathan Szilvagyi, James Patrick Doreza, Catherine Doreza; and seven greatgrandchildren: Harrison and Frances Klimek, Anthony Pierre and Mila Grace Silva, Vivienne Jules and Cosette Dionne and William David Szilvagyi. She had lost 3 boys after Elena due to RH Factor until administered with Rhogam which enabled the birth of her 4th son, the late Cesar Vincent Doreza, deceased since November 17, 1995.

We have so many fond memories of our mother. They are too numerous to count. The best words that describe Mom is strong-willed, creative, brilliant, determined woman. Even at 92, bed bound on tube feeding, she managed to call for dad, “Dad…Dad…” around 4:30 almost every morning. Mom and Dad were married for 67 years before he died. He was singing to her from the hospital via FaceTime a few days before. Mom missed our dad’s entertaining and calming personality as he wisely turned adversities into something to laugh about, just an ardent joker!

Our mother was the fifth child of 8. She’s survived by 1 sister and 3 brothers in the Philippines: Teresita Roxas Solinap, Andres Roxas, Teodoro Roxas and Manuel Roxas. She grew up on a farm with exquisite fruit plantations and trees like guava and pineapple. Her eyes glimmered with joy when she described “the field of dreams” (Bitaugan, Passi, Iloilo), but on the next breath she sadly recounts the sacrifices the family made with daily farm chores at age 9. The tragic death of her father “Papa” with the U.S. Army during World War II, drove her to early adulthood. She survived daily challenges and learned perseverance.

Mom (along with Dad) loved being a grandmother to 4 young grandchildren who mainly stayed with them. As a disciplinarian, she mastered the virtuosity of training them to Filipino delicacies which the grandkids easily adapted to because she was a great cook. Her “famous” Pancit Molo (Wonton Soup) and Philippine Barbeque (Shish kabob) were always in great demand especially for church fund-raising. Like most Filipino grandmothers, they were taught to never waste food because it’s God’s blessing and it provides nourishment for healthy living.

Both Mom and Dad served God in many ways. They were active in the Catholic Cursillo movement. They participated in related groups such as the Great Banquet, Chrysalis Flight, Tres Dias, Walk to Emmaus, and Kairos Prison Ministry. They sang “De Colores” at home every chance they had. We tried to follow but Spanish was a bit difficult for us children.

Mom had exemplary skills in sewing especially when applying her innovative ingenuity. She not only sewed her daughter’s detailed wedding dress but all the 7 bridesmaids and 2 flower girls. Elena tried to emulate her mother’s talents by always assessing her level of determination and perseverance. Surprisingly, with that she was able to sew a wedding dress for her daughter, Jennifer.

Mom was never afraid of hard work. She paused college when she got married and started a family but diversified into other vocation such as Beauty Culture for stylish hair and nails. A picture of her receiving her diploma from Mayor Ganzon showed her pride and honor for her accomplishment. Some of her occupations were as follows: Parish Church Administrative Assistant, Doctor’s Office Assistant, Owner of a retail clothing business, Branch travel agent for her older sister’s agency (Elising Roxas Dizon) and more. The two sisters were responsible for supplying U.S. hospitals with a good number of Filipino nurses. Back then, the U.S. hospitals were in desperate need. Auspiciously, the staff who cared for her at Cedar’s hospital were primarily Filipinos, from Respiratory Therapists to Nurses to Lab technicians. In Michigan, she worked in various fields, at a doctor’s office, a caregiver to an elderly and eventually in finance, processing weekly payrolls and more. She finally retired with her husband in 2004 at age 75.

God spared Mom from numerous near-death medical conditions, from pancreatitis to dysphagia to acute encephalopathy. She overcame 10 surgeries, from C-sections to open heart surgery to back surgery to intestinal gangrene. She claimed God’s blessings by fulfilling her dream to see the beauty of the world God created. She traveled extensively with family or relatives or alone. She visited Hongkong (several times), Italy, Venice, England. She even climbed the Leaning Tower of Pisa before they banned it. She also went to Hungary, Germany, Austria, Czechoslovakia, and spent days in Oberammergau to attend The Passion of Christ play, presented by local citizens every 10 years, a promise to God for sparring them from the plague. We believe God healed Elena from Stage 4 Breast Cancer because Mom prayed and forced grit, determination, and courage in her spirit.

Mom was the favorite of all the Cedars staff that took care of her, medical and nursing staff, clinical partners, etc. They all called her “Lola” (grandmother in Filipino). She hardly complained and was a model patient. We sincerely thank all of them for their devotion in turning and cleaning her frequently. We want to convey our heartfelt gratitude for the compassion they displayed through her sufferings. We lovingly thank all who took the time to visit her even when she was not their patient. Amazingly, they even prayed and sang to her. And for that, we are forever grateful.

Mom touched peoples’ lives in a loving and caring ways even in her condition. Her great grandchildren Harrison and Frances, Anthony and Mila Grace, Vivienne, (Cosette-Newborn) and William adored their “Lola.” They (except Cosette) loved climbing her bed, hug her knees and repeatedly said, “Love you, Lola!” Jen said: “I had a lil baby girl named Cosette and Grandma happened to be only one floor above me as our baby made her entrance into the world. I could feel my mother and grandmother’s presence there with me, it gave me strength. And as I sobbed on the hospital bed thinking of Grandma’s life coming towards the end and her great granddaughter’s beginning. It was heart wrenching yet the most beautiful and powerful moment to have all four generations there.” The godliest legacy she left behind was: The Fruit of the Spirit: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. In that we can be assured that our goodbye is not forever. We love and miss you, Mom (Lola).

In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate financial assistance with funeral and memorial expenses.

Her viewing will be held at the Valley Funeral Home on Thursday, August 4th, 2022, from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm. 2121 W. Burbank Blvd., Burbank, CA 91506. The memorial service will be held on Friday, August 5th, 2022, at 10:00 am. 2010 W. Olive Ave., Burbank, CA 91504. Due to Covid concerns, a brief reception with light refreshments will follow outside the church patio.