Ms. Margie Ocaya Navarro

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Margie, or Jing as she was more affectionately known by those close to her, was born on February 12, 1963 in Misamis Occidental, Philippines as the youngest of four children. Because of her love for nature, flowers, and the outdoors, she went on to study Agriculture at Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan. Margie graduated in 1983 after having served on the Aggie Student Council, President of the Red Cross Youth, and as the Grand Lady Chancellor for the Alpha Phi Omega fraternity.

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She then wed her college sweetheart and proceeded to have two beautiful daughters soon thereafter. Margie was a fantastic and wonderful mother that encouraged her daughters to thrive in their own ways. She filled their house with love, warmth, and thoughtfulness, transforming it into a home that was always vibrant, full of creativity, and welcoming to everyone that passed through its doors (including a myriad of pets like dogs, cats, rabbits, and one time even a goat!). Margie loved beautiful and wonderful things from blossoming flowers, tending her gardens, gorgeous sunsets, timid deer who visited her backyard, fresh fruits picked from their branches, little happy babies, shiny trinkets, vibrant outfits, lively singing and dancing, and even sweet little treats to be had secretly.

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Not only did she establish the foundations of her home, but her entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish greater foundations for her career and friendships that spanned decades and continents. Margie worked at the Department of Tourism (Region 10), lending her people skills and joyous energy to the improvement and promotion of her beautiful province. This opportunity gave her the chance to meet a lot of people (even rub elbows with the Queen Sofia of Spain) and travel the country. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Saviour and found a spiritual community with The Way Christian Ministries, a local group of devoted Christians that helped to strengthen her walk with the Lord.

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In 2009, Margie took a great leap to the other side of the world to build a new life with her family in Vancouver. She braved to enter this new chapter in the middle of a Canadian winter with only flip flops on. That's how she had always been - steely and over determined. The Lord guided this new path and led her to the Willingdon Church Filipino Fellowship. She quickly realized from her humble beginnings here that everyone needed help navigating this new landscape. Wouldn't it be great to have help and be able to help those in need?

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In 2010, she joined Primerica, a company that naturally aligned with her goals of growing, helping, and dreams of one day becoming self-sufficient. Not only had she found a career, but also lifelong friends and some who would come to eventually be called family. She finally received her Canadian citizenship in 2014. She took every opportunity to grow and help and nurture and learn and enjoy in the decade that she has lived in Canada.

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In 2020, even at the height of the global pandemic, she was able to achieve a great feat and become a Regional Vice President.

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Her steadfast faith in the Lord and spiritual strength helped her overcome the hardest part yet as she was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2021. Only a handful people knew of her health struggles and, true to form, her indomitable spirit pushed through the pain and difficulties. Despite the illness, she still found time to celebrate the joy in small things and the many memories she had in her lifetime. 20 months later and at only 60 years young, the Lord had already called her home. "Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord."

✝️ Margie was predeceased by her parents, Placido and Epifania Ocaya and her brother Walter.

❤️ Margie beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend will be lovingly remembered by her husband Raffy, her daughters Mara and Margael (Wayne), her grandchildren Izzy and Vanek, her partner Adrian, her sisters Charita (Michael) and Nena (Reynaldo), nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, godchildren, and numerous other family and friends.

🌻 In her loving memory, final visitation to honor her is scheduled on March 25, 2023, Saturday from 10 - 11AM at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 3789 Royal Oak Ave, Burnaby, BC V5G3M1.

💮 Please wear white/light colored clothes for the visitation. We hope that you will be able to join us as we say our final goodbyes. Everyone who remembers her is asked to celebrate Margie's life in their own way by appreciating all that life has to offer and hugging loved ones a little tighter.

🎉 The Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. You may follow the Facebook accounts for updates on this: fb.com/margiezocaya OR fb.com/mzocaya

💐 If you would like to order flowers for Margie, please reach out to:

Amy from Touch of Class Florists

604-518-2880

Kindly indicate that it's for Margie Ocaya Navarro and they will certainly be able to assist.

🙏🏻 The family of Margie would like to thank all the healthcare professionals from BC Cancer Kelowna and Interior Health, most especially her medical team from BC Cancer Surrey and Surrey Memorial Hospital who took great care of her up until her last moments of life. They also afforded the family much support and compassion during a most difficult time. Much gratitude goes out to Newton and White Rock Home Health nurses, Home Support workers, Social Workers, and everyone who visited and assisted with her care.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared below for the family.