I will never forget you my sweet friend, God Bless your soul and may you live in eternal peace singing up in heaven where you are free. I love you. I’m so glad I got to know you and have you as a friend in my life. Your smile and heart have touched the lives of many. Here we are in the high school cafeteria hanging out in between classes like we always did! And another time when I ran into you while I was celebrating my 21st birthday. Love you Cheska forever. 

My Sweet Franchesca. You are a warrior. The love for your family was everything. Thank you for teaching me so much through this long journey with your Facebook posts and videos showing us what really matters in this life. May you Rest in Peace and Continue singing from heaven and come in my dreams so I can hear your beautiful voice one last time. Love always, Mana Arshadi

I'm deeply saddened since hearing about Chesca's passing. There is now a void in my heart that I know will not be refilled. This is rather surprising because we only had a handful of personal interactions and most of our conversations were by text or online. Sunshine had warmth and a unique ability to truly connect with people. She was transparent, vocal and did not care about what other people thought. In her short lifetime, she successfully reminded many of us to appreciate and be thankful for life and what it has got to offer. I honestly do not know of anyone else who was able to reach and preach to thousands of people with positivity and enlightenment. She was able to do this even with all the physical pain she had to endure. 

Even though we weren't connected by blood, she introduced us as cousins and started calling me, Ate (term for older sister in Tagalog). I guess it was in her nature to adopt those who became her friends as her family.  Even though we did not have many chances to see each other in person, we always talked as though we've known each other forever and I saw her as a little sister. 

Her parents, who she had so much respect for, were her true heroes. Through their grief, I wish Tita Del and Tito Mike comfort with knowing that they have raised an extraordinary human. A thoughtful, caring, and kind person we all should try to be. She will live through and remain as an inspiration to so many. 

My deepest condolences to you and your family. I’ve never experienced a loss and Franchesca was and will forever remain my best friend no matter how far we are. She would outshine any person in the room, in any space she was in. Her soul beautiful, opinionated and Stern when she needed to be and alongside those qualities she had a mothers touch that words can’t describe. We met in college I was 19 and she 17. Although we crossed paths in highschool once when she complimented me. As a senior at that time I had to pretend that I could care less but deep down I held on to that compliment all day because it was from HER. That girl who would walk around campus with the most beautiful hair and the most cutting attitude yet the most exotic facial features. As a gay man that’s who I needed to be with, to be seen with, to laugh with to make memories, To grow with and we did that for 10 years. We officially met in college and since day one it’s was her and I against the world. our story didn’t end how it should’ve but you taught me a lesson Franchesca. Even while not feeling well you still touched people’s mind and souls. God always had bigger plans for you. He didn’t want you to in the city of make pretend angels, you belong with the real ones above us looking down at your family and loved ones, you’ve brighten our sky’s sunshine. 
And to mom and dad, thank you from The bottom of my heart for blessing us with such a precious gem. She was very very lucky to have such amazing parents like you two. Many of us are lucky enough to have one caring, loving, supporting and understanding parent but she had the gift of both. There is nothing i or anyone can say to soften the pain but you’re a family with persistence, love and courage. 4 years of an ongoing battle and you both were there through every Single visit . I am just happy to know she is comfortable now. My Chesca always had to be comfortable. I love you my angel. I love you so so much and I hope you always knew that. 

OBITUARY

Maria Franchesca Liwanag

December 20, 1990 – November 27, 2020

Glendale Funeral Home

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