Heaven gained an angel in my dear Auntie Annette... my Auntie Annette was my Mom's bestie and dear friend since their office days in Bicol and remained friends and in touch
up until my Mom's final days last year. I still remember when I contacted Auntie Annette with the news about my Mom's health. Auntie Annette wanted to share some special last words as I held the phone via speaker to my Mom's ear. She
also shared some special words with our family during my Mom's services.
My heart is broken and I'll miss Auntie Annette so much.
As I grew up, my Mom shared some fun stories with me about her and Auntie Annette, working and traveling together to different parts of Bicol. This was one of my first examples of having close, lifelong friends. They were like two peas in a
pod. I know this personally because whenever these two got together, the volume of tsismis ("gossip") and laughter went from loud to louder! - One example is a time from my my
cousin Dustin and Stacy's wedding. I distinctly remember turning around in my pew at the church right before the entourage was to enter to try to shush a couple people, only to find out it was my Mom and Auntie Annette making all the
noise! I was smart enough to know I could not step up to these two fierce firecrackers ,so I just minded my own business, giggled, and turned right back around! To this day, that memory is still so vivid. No matter how busy these two
were in their own lives with their families and no matter how far apart they were, whenever they got together, they always seemed to pick up right where they left off.
 Thank you Auntie Annette for loving my Mom so much. I know she loved you, too. And our family does, too.
Auntie Annette, I raise a toast to you and my Mom. I hope you're both watching over all of us, smiling and laughing together again. 

We are truly grateful to have known Mommy.We love her dearly and will remember her by all the ways she touched our lives. 

She came to Nahla’s grandparent’s day because she wanted Nahla to feel loved and special. She always made me feel like I was a part of the family. 

She is a woman that I will always strive to be; strong, independent, honest, and generous. She once told me, “When I throw away trash, I leave it in the trash.” This has made a significant mark in my life. She also told me to always wear lipstick because I look sick when I do not. We will always remember her as a strong and loving woman. 

Take care! We are thinking of you and your family. Thank you for everything!

I recently learned of Annette’s passing and was shocked as I remembered her being so healthy, a world traveler and endless family get togethers at her home in Vallejo and then when she relocated a year after me to the Sacramento area. She worked with us in San Francisco and I always felt her laughter so contagious along with her beautiful smile.  Her children, grandchildren and family were her heart and so many beautiful stories she shared. To her family I am so sorry for your loss. May God bless, comfort and give you strength during this difficult time. 


 Some of you knew my sister, she would not come out of the house without dressing herself up with make-up and beautiful attire.
She would always boast of the achievements of her children and her grandchildren and talk about them for hours and hours with such pride and love until she would fall asleep.  She would share pictures of them and their postings in Facebook repeatedly.
To be honest with you, we had our ups and downs as sisters but our love for God and for each other would always prevail.
I admire her stamina, courage and sacrifices to fly to Toronto yearly for my mom’s birthday and special events like the wedding of my sons, my graduation and ordination as a Pastor.  I believe that when the things you do are sincerely in the name of The Lord, you can be rest assured that your labor is not in vain.  God knows your heart and He knows all that you are going through – when it is right and when it is wrong.  It does not matter what others say about you or about the things you strive to do for God.  It only matters what God thinks. Labor is called labor because it is hard, not because it is easy.  If it were easy, then it would be known as playing for The Lord, not working for Him.
 
I know Ate Inday’s labor for her family. for us, for each one of you who experienced her love and generosity is not in vain. God has promised in 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain.
 
I believe Ate Inday is now in a prepared place, a permanent place and peaceful place,
 
A Prepared place
 
I know my Ate Inday is now in a place prepared by God for her as God has promised in the following Bible verses”:
 
1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who loved Him

Eulogy:  A Tribute to My Sister Annette Santos whom I fondly call Ate Inday meaning Older Sister.
 
I grew up calling my sister Ate Inday, a respectful way to call an older sister.
When we arrived in Toronto, Canada in the early 1990s, my sister together with my other sister Elizabeth which I fondly call Chitching and her children would come to Toronto Canada in January to celebrate my mom’s birthday despite the very cold weather. January is the worst winter month in Toronto with piles of snow and below zero temperatures.
When Ate inday would come to visit us here in Toronto, she was so gracious and kind to us and would always prepare a delicious meal not only for me but my whole family when my children were younger.  My sons would always lovingly tell and praise her that she was a very good cook.  She would smile graciously and would wake up early to prepare another dish for my children. She was cooking tirelessly with smile in her lips and love in her heart.  Every time she would visit us, she had something for us especially for my mom which we call “pasalubong” She would happily distribute her gifts to each one of us with excitement. A week before she passed away, she sent a package to my mom which consisted of a beautiful blue dress, a bag, and a throw blanket.  She said these were delayed gifts for Mother’s Day. She also said in an earlier messenger chat that since her kidney transplant was successful, she would be coming to join us her in Toronto for my mom’s 108th birthday in January 2022.
Ate Inday loved to sing and play the keyboard for God gifted her with a wonderful voice and a graceful way to dance. She would attend our church and love to worship God with us despite the difference in time zone since she lived in California and Toronto is three hours in advance.  Hence to worship at11 AM with us in Toronto meant she should wake up early before 8 AM California time to prepare herself. It was a sacrifice on her part since she always had a jet lag. 

Grandma and I shared a lot of happy memories. As a traveler, we went to numerous locations together, such as the Philippines, Hong Kong, and the United States, but those were not the fondest memories I had with her. The best memory was when she had a splinter on her finger during our vacation in Lake Tahoe. Because I held the medical gear, no one could help her but me. She thanked me and assured me that I would be her future doctor after gently removing the splinter from her flesh. Grandma would constantly refer to me as her Miss Universe, but she also understands that I intend to pursue a career as a doctor. When she told me I'd be her future doctor, I realized I was passionate about this career. Years have passed, and I am now studying medical technology as a pre-medical course, intending to become a cardiologist one day. Although I did not save my grandmother's life, I will make every effort to save the lives of others in her honor.

When I first met my mother- in- law back in 2001, I thought that she’ll be the type that I could never get along with. She was wearing the most colorful outfit with head dress, big stunning sunglasses with full make- up and nails perfectly done.  Actually, we got along fine and as I get to know her, I reaized that she’s the most generous, caring and loving person to her children, family and friends. She was a very involve grandmother to her grandkids.  A very good friend too. I remember, whenever she visits us in the Philippines, she would also go to her friends and family and give them pasalubong or money even if it was her last $100 bill.  In the “balikbayan box that we often receive, there’s always something for everybody.  Pre- pandemic , our family would visit her in US as much as possible but when Covid came, we make sure we kept in touch through Video calls and Group Chats. Thank you so much Mommy for loving me and my family dearly. You will be missed but will never be forgotten. This is not goodbye for we will see each other again. I love you Mommy Annette.

“Mommy Annette” as we fondly calls her is really like a mom to me since when I was still a single until I got married and had  my own family here in US.  She calls me “anak” and I’m one of her  few “adopted” daughter whom she considered as one of her own daughter.  I want to remember mommy Annette as a fun-loving and thoughtful person. And of course a smart lady and a fashionista who loves to dress in any kind of occasion. Thank you mommy for everything and for all our happy memories with my family together  On behalf of my family ( Abe & the kids- Ezra and Psalm),  we want to tell you that we LOVE YOU and we will surely MISS YOU!!!!❤️❤️❤️

A loss of a very supportive godmother ( Ninang ) , Tita , and a Friend is someone special to remember with warmth, think of with pride, and cherish with love.  She is a good listener and a great adviser she will check on us from time to time making sure Elsa and I are in great shape of our marriage . We will miss you Ninang Annette.  “ Time takes away the edge of grief, but memory turns back every leaf “ RIP Tita  Annette  AnnInday Sun   we Love 💕 you .

I first met Annette many years ago when we were working at the State of California.  She was working with my friend, Terry.  Our friendship became a nice threesome that did many fun things together for many years.  I will miss her so much and being able to talk to her about anything. I know she is in heaven now with her sister and other family members.  

She was a beautiful classy lady. Wish I could have known her personally and not just on Facebook. May fond memories of her get you through this difficult time.

How can I forget ANNETTE C. SANTOS? She was a bubbly and naughty classmate of mine in high school. She was full of stories during our recess and she always had those smiles that made her eyes more chinky. Our friendship did not dwindle after all these years esp when we learned that we were both married to Bicolano guys.
Annette, may you rest in peace and may God grant you eternal happiness in heaven. I will forever treasure fond memories of you my dear friend. 

Dear Auntie Annette, 

You will be greatly missed but memories will remain. 
We all know that you’re in a better place now. You are fun to be with, we still remembered all your funny stories, all your kuwentos about your children and apos. 

May perpetual lights shines upon you.

May your soul rest in peace🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

Condolence to the family of Annette. 
Annette I will miss you and our happy days high school and will not forget the good memories we shared here in Toronto and during my short visit in “Sacrament where I met your Son your daughter and your lovely apos.. You are such a good friend. You will always remain in my heart.

Dearest Auntie Annette,

Until now, I still cannot believe that you left us so early. You were like a second mother to me, it was so easy to talk to you when it comes to matters of life. You were always there to listen when I needed to vent. 

I remember going to your house, feeding us endlessly, showing us videos and photos of your children, our cousins and being so ever proud of all of them.

Our cousins were blessed to have you as their Mom.

We will not have any answers why you left us so suddenly but your memories will always live on in our hearts.

Rest now for you are now with our Lord, no pain, no worries, only eternal happiness.

Sending our prayers of comfort at these very difficult time to all our cousins and their families.

We love You Auntie!

Barbara, Edmil and children!


OBITUARY

Annette Castro Santos

February 20, 1948 – September 8, 2021

Mount Vernon Memorial Park & Mortuary

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