Mary Garcia Labson Celeridad (a.k.a Tita Mary) was born on May 29, 1948 to Pedro and Margarita Labson in Manila, Philippines. She completed her primary and secondary education at Baclaran Elementary and Southeastern College, respectively. She continued onto Lyceum of the Philippines University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Foreign Service with hopes of working for the U.S. Embassy.
On May 11, 1969, she married Generoso (Gene) Celeridad, who was also her neighbor at the time. Then in 1970, they immigrated to California where they built their life together and had four children: Marlette, Myra, Gary Dean, and Meliza Gayle; and five grandchildren: Porscha, Tiara Kaley, Marcus Anthony, Colin Philip, and Mia Grace.
For most of her young adult life, Mary worked in the electronics industry. Then after her husband’s passing, she worked as a secretary for many years at her home church, Living Rock Christian Church in Sunnyvale, CA.
Mary was a faithful servant of God and devoted her life to all whom she loved. She enjoyed spending time with her family, going out to eat, and watching movies or Filipino teleseryes (soap operas). She is known for her great sense of humor and contagious laughter which could be heard from across the room. She was also a source of encouragement and spiritual inspiration, ready to offer a prayer or share a bible verse when you needed it.
In 2018, she was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, where plasma cells in the bone marrow become cancerous and multiply. She fought faithfully and continued to inspire her loved ones until she passed away on March 4, 2024. Her passing was caused by Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and pneumonia.
She spent her last hours listening to her favorite Chris Tomlin songs, surrounded by her family and friends. Her loss was sooner than expected, and her family is profoundly saddened. Mary was 75 years of age.
Mary is survived by her siblings Lydia Campos, Revelina Labson Flores, Amada Labson, Pete Labson, Jr., Marilyn Caringal, and Florida Villanueva, her children, her grandchildren, her large extended family, and her many friends.
She was predeceased by her father Pedro Labson, her mother Margarita Garcia Labson, her husband Gene Celeridad, and her siblings Leonila Campos Tabios, Gloria Campos, Felino Labson, and Edward Labson.
Mary was a loving wife, a devoted mother and grandmother, a dear sister, and a compassionate friend. Her departure is gravely felt by her entire family and countless others who loved her deeply.
The family greatly appreciates your immense love and support during this difficult time. You are invited to share your memories and photos with Mary on her memorial website.
For the funeral service, Mary had requested for her guests to wear all white (optional: white top only).
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