Pelsie was born on February 02, 1944 to Francisco and Adela Variacion in the barrio of Manuyog, in the municipality of Sagay, on beautiful Camiguin Island, in the Philippines. In 1998 she met and married Melvin Avery and together they moved to the United States where they lived in Melvin's hometown of Clio, Michigan. Shortly afterward, Melvin and Pelsie moved to Jacksonville, Florida to be near her sister, Majorita Evans.
While in the Philippines, and after graduating from high school, Pelsie worked as a beautician and seamstress. She was raised by her parents in a family of thirteen children. She was a loving and generous soul who enjoyed dancing, traveling and spending time with her family. A devout Catholic, Pelsie regularly participated in church activities in both the Philippines and during her time in Florida. In Jacksonville, Candelaria joined the Filipino-American Club and was looking forward to promoting the Filipino culture in the local area. She will be greatly missed.
Candelaria was preceded in death by her brother, Santos Variacion, and sister Badigonda Variacion.
Pelsie is survived by her husband of 14 years, Melvin, her niece, Jennie Rose, who she helped raise as if her own daughter, and ten of her siblings: Cresencia Blanila (sister), Sofronio Variacion (brother), Sulpicio Variacion (brother), Dominador Variacion (brother), Pacita Chavez (sister), Claudio Variacion (brother), Manuel Variacion (brother), Melchor Variacion (brother), Elmer Variacion (brother), and Majorita Evans (sister).
A funeral service and reception to celebrate Pelsie's life will be held at the Hardage-Giddens Rivermead Funeral Home, 127 Blanding Blvd. in Orange Park , FL at 11:00 AM on, Saturday, August 17, with services provided by Father Joseph Kulathinal. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service. The immediate family chose cremation following the memorial service so no burial followed.
The family of Candelaria wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the staff of Haven Hospice of Orange Park for providing care and support to Pelsie in her final hours. Please post tributes at www.hardage-giddensrivermead.com
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18