Ate Didi, my beautiful, thoughtful, loving sister-in-law. But to me, you’ve always been like a real sister. We share our life stories about anything and everything. We talked about good and even the not-so-good things. I will always miss that.
I can never deliver a joke like you always do. Sometimes, you give me that look, while saying...”tapos na ba?... where is the punch line, Coton?”
Then, we burst out laughing!!
I miss you!!❤️❤️❤️

Dear Mama Lo,
I never thought you would leave me on my 10th Year of life. You are the grandma that I know and love.  The best grandma that loves me and cheers me. My parents shared me lots of memories of you when I was still an infant, toddler,  until I grew more years and met you again in California, May 2018. I never thought that will be the last time I will see you. I love you with all my heart 💜❤️. I was the one who answered Papalo’s call when he said you’re gone. I am heartbroken but I know God has reason for this. I will miss you . I will treasure the memories we shared together. I will love Papalo. I will be a good girl and I will make you proud of me someday. 

💕💕💕Raysheil 

Ate Didi,
We became to be part of your family when I got to work in AEP, Ohio. You were with us especially when Sheila got pregnant of Raysheil until she gave birth. You witnessed Raysheil’s first times and had fun with us. Raysheil know you as her grandma (Godmother) “Mamalo” and kuya Nanding her “ Papalo” . We remember when we moved to West Coast, you came to visit us and we had fun at the beach in Lincoln City, Oregon. We had fun at the Casino at night, walked by the beach in our pajamas at the very early of the morning and barbecue at noon. You shared your memories with Sasa and Mark in their childhood when you saw Raysheil. We went to The Grotto Shrine, in Oregon and prayed. We still went there and included you in our prayers that God will free you from pain, give you comforts and healing. Raysheil keep on sending you pictures and messages every time we come to The Grotto. We made a surprise visit in California last May 2018, but we were the one who were surprised that you were not there, but you made it from Vegas, we still met. We promised you to be back this summer,  but , we never thought that would be the last time to see you.  We’ve been praying for you but we never thought, God answered our prayers this way. Though, God answered our prayers to free you from pain , but we’re heartbroken especially you and  Sheila’s mom left us on the same day. I know God has the reason for everything. We will never forget you. Thank you for being Raysheil’s best grandma ever . Thank you for the best  memories  we shared. Thank you so much  for everything. We will still pray for you. We will still visit Kuya Nanding. We love you . We will continue to love Kuya Nanding and you.  You are part of our family. 

Raymund, Sheila and Raysheil 💕🙏🏻

I'm so fortunate to have gotten to know Didi, and to call myself a member of her wonderful circle of family and lifelong friends. In the short year that I got to know her, Didi brought (and still brings) great joy to my life. If not for Didi, there would be no Marissa, who I'm so proud to call my best friend. In raising her children, it's apparent to me that Didi instilled in them the importance of intelligence, drive, and compassion in everything they do. As a family member and friend, Didi kept all around her entertained (and on the dance floor, I'm told).

She and I shared a precious bond over the love of sweets and inappropriate humor. She was the first I'd look for at every family gathering, and often the last I'd hug upon leaving. Though, I know she's still with us in many ways, I'm heartbroken to know we'll never have a chuckle over candy and desserts in this lifetime.

Because of Didi, I continue to meet so many wonderful people, who in one way or another, exist in her sphere. Of those, I have yet to meet one that I couldn't truly love. I greatly appreciate Didi's U.S. family and friends for dropping everything at the last minute to share their condolences and memories (whether in person or through correspondence), and to be present to support Marissa, her immediate family, and me through the process of grieving and arranging her memorial services. As for Didi's family in the Philippines, I appreciate your support, and eagerly await our introduction. I've heard many good stories of you, and look forward to putting faces to the names!

I thank you, Didi, for that all that you are to me.  Thank you for showing such incredible strength in the face of great adversity, and for defining the meaning of love all-the-while. Know that I love you, and rest assured that it is my mission to equally love those who you so-dearly cherish.


Patrick

Dearest Tita Didi,
Where do I even begin to start letting you know how much you have touched my life? My sister, Aizel wrote that you were like a 2nd mother to my sisters, but especially to me.   When I think of you, I’m flooded with fond and loving memories.  I can’t type fast enough without tears welling in my eyes.   But then I find myself pausing, to smile and laugh too because I know that’s exactly what you’d want.   
-	Your laughter filled a room and spilled outside of it as well.  When I attended Block Rosary at any of the Tita’s or my parents’ house, I knew you were there as soon as I’d walk in the door.  Your sweet voice (sounding all innocent) while you told a dirty joke and proceeded to laugh that unforgettable laugh while your eyes just widened…well, how could anyone NOT smile?! 
 -	Whenever I see dishwasher gloves, I smile and think of you.  Every now and then, when I slept over your Gahanna home to give you company, you’d always have food prepared and feed me – even if I wasn’t hungry.  After I ate and would go to wash my plates, you’d yell at me that I should use the gloves to protect my hands.  “I always use the gloves when washing dishes and after all these years, I have beautiful hands, diba?”  And I would always say yes, because you were right.  Your hands were beautiful and did not reflect your age, whatever it was (as you never would divulge that secret).  
-	Whenever I called my parents’ landline and no one would answer call-waiting, it was usually because of you.  I’d keep calling and 15, 30, or so minutes would pass but still no answer.  I would have to call my dad’s cell phone to finally get through to someone.  Dad would say, ‘mom is on the phone with your Tita Didi.’  As much as I’d pretend to be annoyed because no one answered, I really didn’t mind it.  I already knew the reason; Mom was on the phone with you giggling and exchanging stories, as sisters.  I’m so happy you and mom had that closeness.     (to be continued)...

Our sincere condolences for the beautiful woman that was my Ninang Didi.

I was the first born grandchild in the del Mundo clan (of Hedidia and Alfredo) and was fortunate to have my dad's older sister become my godmother. Even if I did not grow up with her, with me in Manila and she in America, the times we had spent together are full only of beautiful memories of her laughter, her teasing me about how 'old' her goddaughter was already and then her gushing about how adorable my daughter, Selina, is every time she saw her ('ayyyyy, ang ganda ganda talaga!).  

I will miss her in the now infamous del Mundo reunions. I look forward to sharing and creating more memories with the family she has left behind. Marissa/Mark and Ninong Nanding - let's try and not leave catch-ups far and between. A big hug to you three. 

Love from us in Sydney,
Irma, Nigel and Selina 

Didi, we will miss you.

The good times and fun we had since we met you twenty two years ago when we moved to Dublin and joined the Rosary group are wonderful memories for us.

We will always cherish our trips together, our cruises, casino trips and our trip to Cumberland lake . We enjoyed them because you are such a fun person, with your jokes and infectious laughs.

What I’ll miss too is our long talks on anything and everything, even our silly and funny complaints on our husbands.

Gil and I will specially remember you when the sampaguita plant with double fragrant flowers, that you gave us before you left for San Diego blooms every summer.

Rest In Peace our dearest friend.

Our sincerest condolences to Ferdie and family.

Ninang Didi... not only are you and Ninong my parents’ dearest friends, but my sisters, their spouses, Elmer and I consider you as our friends and 2nd parents too.   You were the first family I met in Columbus. Mommy and I came out to visit Daddy and you invited us to a picnic in the backyard.  I wasn’t looking forward to moving at all but the Ballesteros family was very welcoming and I was excited your kids were close to my sisters’ ages.  I will always remember wearing your patron saint pin as my “something borrowed” on my wedding day and you taking the time to pin it on me before the ceremony .  You taught me that it is okay, and actually fun, to laugh at ourselves.  Life is more enjoyable that way.   I love you , Ninang!!  “Aloha ‘Oe, E ke onaona noho i ka lipo, One fond embrace, A ho ‘i a ‘e au.. until we meet again....” 

Please accept our heartfelt condolences from the Panaligan Family. You will be greatly missed but will never ever be forgotten. I will always remember you, love you and cherish the good times. Our Rosary  Group, AEP yearly summer picnic and Christmas party, Pasco New Year's Eve Ball to name a few were wonderful memories for me to keep.
 Will be looking for you "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" (a song am dedicating to you) will be staring under the bright sunny skies and will see you...longing to see your sweet smile, your voice, your funny/dirty jokes, your giggling and your contagious laughter. My guardian Angel now will be you. Pain no more but the precious memories will be mine.

THANK YOU FOR THE GOOD TIMES....until then.




Didi we will miss you! You will remain forever in our hearts. Too many memories we have shared together: the yearly AEP Christmas parties, the dancing, and I know you loved to dance, the picnics and of course our rosary group monthly get together. Remember how we used to drive together to Michigan to visit Nanding and Honesto while they were working there with AEP. Those were memorable conversations we had in the car where we shared stories about anything including stories about our families. You used to tell me I was a fearless driver! Remember our outing to Cumberland lake where you introduced the card game "in between" and we all played until early morning. Remember how you  joyfully glared at Honesto because he tried to monopolize the game. We had so much fun then. Memories and more....we will always remember you! Honesto and I love you; rest in peace.

To my favorite person in the world - 
I miss you so much, Mom. I'm sorry you had such a hard time and I wished that I could always make it easier for you. I'm trying really hard to think about all of our fun and funny moments to get through my sadness. You always tell me to stay strong, be positive, let things go, and showed me how to love life and appreciate friends and family. I'll do my best to regain my real self by channeling all of your happy, fun and positive energy. You recently told me that you're always happy when I'm with you...you are always with me, Mommy. Your last words to me and Mark were, "I love you, both". I love you soo much and miss you every minute, but what makes me happy now is that you are finally free of all the pain and suffering that you didn't have to endure as long as you did..but you did it for me, to make sure that I'll be ok. Thanks for loving Patrick - we love you and miss you so much. Love , SA

    Didi, evert since I met you, you made my life whole. You were the pillar and strength in our family. You nurtured your children to a fine young man and woman. It eases the pain that you have left me, You were a diciiplinarian to your siblings but fair as a big sister. You were a life at parties. You were the first to hit and leave the dance floor. I will miss your loud laughs, your signature boisterous laugh.         We had been married 47 short years , We have  a friend we haven’t seen in 35 years . In San Diego we were in a store and Didi had a laugh that carried out the store, our friend walking in front of the store heard that unique laugh and did a second look. It was her! Everybody loves her jokes. In out of town trips  everybody wants to room with us and reserve seats at tables for us at parties. In a two short span of 34 years in Columbus  we had been godparents to 7 kids . That’s how she was loved to part of their lives. Although you left this worl d without your siblings around,it would be a comfort  to them that you were loved with kindness and surrounded by my siblings and relatives in your last breath .To ease your pain in visits to the doctor’s office,,  when asked  your pain  level was in scale level of 1 to 10, your answer was 8 or 9 but I say  I am her pain  24/8. Didi my love as I bade you farewell to a rest  with no more pain   and no more suffering I ask you to “ leave the lights on” for me for I am going to join  you again someday. Goodbye Didi, I love  so very much.......your loving husband.

Marissa,

I will always remember the very first time I met your dear, sweet mom.  It was at Leah’s wedding.  I remember how gentle and friendly her energy was.  Our conversation was so easy and flowing because she was so genuine. 

I would see her from time to time when out and about, and her greetings were wonderfully energetic and warm. It always made me happy to see her again.

Most of all, I will always treasure how kind she was to your friends, Saiyd and Leah.  Her feelings alway rang true about how she valued them and she aways shared this in word and in deed. She shared how she was so grateful to Saiyd for nursing you while you needed to heal from your car injury. And she opened her home and shared a beautiful Christmas Day with Leah when I had to leave town to take of my mom. These memories will always be precious me and our family.  Your mom gave the very best of herself to all of us and we will always hold her in our hearts.

Arlene Copeland ( Leah and Saiyd’s mom)

May Didi, my long time friend, be granted eternal rest by our Great Lord. I am so happy we talked a few days after her birthday in January. My sympathies and prayers for Nanding and family.

God Bless

Alma Montano Saddam
Columbus, Ohio

Precious moments we shared will always be cherished, family reunions, mah-jongs and slot machines full of laughters win or lose.  You taught us courage in facing all the trials that life has to offer . Ate you're such a classy and brave soul.  Give our best to Mother and Father..

Di - remember when the kids are still in HS and we all went to Sarasota Fl for vacation? We all went to play at the Dog races.  People were just looking at us, wondering what happening since we were jumping up and down so excitedly because we won, but not knowing the game was all over.  We went home, so excited that we rushed to count our winnings, because it was more than a thousand and returned to the race the following day and lost all our winnings and much more.  So many happy memories: our trip to Buchanan where we missed our exit and making us so late to arrived to Buchanan.  Driving the four kids to the swimming pool almost every Saturday.  I miss all those happy days.  When your were sick I always prayed that you'll be free of pain.  It hurt to see you suffer from your sickness.  Rest in Peace my friend.  May Perpetual light shine upon you.

This is so hard to say.............. farewell Ate.  I still can't believe there are only seven balls now. ... not what Papa had in mind.

Will miss updating you on the latest family gossip,  your concern over me and my family, novenas you would send me when I was getting lost, our amateurish movie and star reviews, recipe trades, your infectious but never-feigned laughter, phone calls, your triumphs, your frustrations, how we would cry together over memories of Papa

I will miss you Ate and, as you told me when Mama passed away, "your mother from here on"
  

As you lay down to rest today my beloved friend “Didi”, May you find eternal rest in the house of our Lord. We will forever miss you . The times that we spent with you is one of the best times in our lives. We will remember you with a smile. You are truly the sister I never had .We all love you and will always be cherished in our hearts. ❤️😘😍 Celi and Arthur Cruz and family.

Didi, we will miss you very, very much! We will always remember the good times we had especially over many dinners in your Columbus home. The talks, jokes and laughter will always be in our hearts and will always cherish your  advices, ideas and opinions. You are like a dear sister to us.

The birthday lunches,the movies after that,the AEP picnics and Christmas parties every year where we would do line dancing and do games will always be remembered  .I will miss the phone calls,the fun and laughter and maybe some tears,the stories and jokes and that signature laugh.Saying goodbye to 
a good friend is so  hard to do.
Nanding,Mark, Sa and Didi's  siblings,Bill and I share  your sorrows and are grieving with you.
May God bless you and keep you.
Rest in peace my friend Didi..

Ohio is always the first thing that comes to mind whenever I think of the States. It was Auntie Didi and Tito Waway who always made everything I saw back as a kid brighter and more wonderful. From the simple tasks of home cooking and cleaning the lawn in Autumn to my fondest memories of trick-or-treating as DRAKULA and enjoying Vanilla ice cream mixed with rice, it was Auntie Didi who always told me to be the best I can be while having the most fun I can have away from my home in the Philippines. She said she always expected great things from me, but I never felt pressured because of how casually she views life, with laughter that filled the whole house and advice that always made any problems trivial. If Tito Waway was my hands-on mentor for my American pastimes; lawn-mowing, and snow-clearing, Auntie Didi was the voice of fearless wisdom and relentless humor that defined my childhood and many years after, still defines the qualities I strive to achieve.

Ate, you’ve been  always an “ate” to me, scolding me often for my carelessness & immaturity, but always very caring & thoughtful. I miss you so much, Ate. I’m happy that I was able to be with you last month but very sad that I wasn’t there during the time when I could have taken cared of you, I was really hoping to visit you again in La Jolla. It really hurts me to realize that you are not here with us anymore but is just consoled with the thought that you are now pain-free & is now with our Lord ,as well as with Mama & Papa. I love you, Ate.       Baby                               

Ate, you just don’t  know how much I appreciate how you treated me as your brother-in-law. In spite of the fact that when you learned of my existence in Bebe’s life serious problem is what I gave you. But when I met you face to face, you never made any comment about it but just accepted me as your brother-in-law. Ate I will surely miss you, especially the bachoy you cook for me whenever I come to visit you and lately the way you say I love you each time l leave to go back home after our visit. Ate I won’t say goodbye for I know we will meet again in the Lord’s kingdom. I’d rather say see you in our next life. I love you, Ate. Philip 

Thank you for all the years we shared as a family. We will remember and cherish all those years always.
Goodbye my dear Ate. May God's peace be with you always.

You were my second mom to me.  Your contagious laughter,  precious, and unique personality will be missed.  Thank you for making memorable moments with me. I love you. 

Your wit,humor and friendship will always be remembered.May you have eternal rest.

We misses you when you left Ohio & even more so now because there is no chance we will see you again! You had always made Peter & I laughed after church  despite of whatever pain you were experiencing at the moment. Never have complained but just made light of the situation.  May the heavens light up with your infectious humour & may you Rest In Peace! We’ll miss you! 🙏

It was a joy to know her ... we had become very good friends and we enjoyed her company ... She has left us with so many wonderful memories that we will cherish them forever.  We love you DD and we will missed you esp your friend “ Lacktey”

We miss Didi, a fabulous and smart lady!
Didi had knack for making our encounters so much fun: her contagious laughter and positive attitude made us feel like her family.
Didi had a generous heart with her offer to care for our Karina & Alex, after hours at St. Matthews Elementary School in Gahanna.
Didi, we pray that you are now  making our departed loved ones laugh to their Hearts' content, enjoying precious moments in the Divine Presence.

A classy woman with such personality.  That is how Didi will be remembered.  She will be well missed.  May her memory be eternal.  

My memory of you will be in my heart forever.   I loved you Didi.  May your rest in peace.

I'm sad with your passing. I will remember you as a soft spoken beautiful person. I had always enjoyed conversing with you whenever we saw each other, most of the time in get togethers. May you rest in peace .


We will missed you so much and  our reunion three yrs ago at our home in Annapolis Maryland and ur home in Columbus Ohio we will treasure all those fun memories forever may you Rest In Peace our dear friend and we were blessed to have u as our friend

OBITUARY

Fredidia "Didi" del Mundo Ballesteros

January 13, 1943 – February 14, 2019

El Camino Memorial - Sorrento Valley & Memorial Park

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