Catalina Lelina Lapitan

Nanay, Nang Talin, Manang, Lola, Grandma .....These are the endearing words of address to a unique lady, CATALINA LELINA LAPITAN , peculiar in the sense that even in the midst of adversaries, that sweet smile would never leave her amiable face.

Nang Talin, as she was fondly called would have turned 85 on September 15, 2018, but God was in a hurry to take her home barely 10 days before her birthday. Nang Talin, got married to the love of her life, Mauricio Lapitan, a brave military man, bore nine children, CRISANTA, IMELDA, TERESITA, MARIO, AMELIA, FRANCIS , RONELIA, ILUMINADA and VERNA. Mauricio died when most of the nine had already finished their college degrees. Nang Talin's focus despite being left alone without a stable job was to see to it that the rest of the nine would finish their college degrees. How? Only the family can answer, but one thing sure is, the elder ones helped the younger ones push through. This courageous woman saw the complete accomplishments of the MAGIC NINE. This would not have been possible without the cooperation and interest of the children themselves.

One of the many crowning glories of Nang Talin, was her immigration to the US at age 58 petitioned by Imelda who was the first to come to the US followed by Francis, Teresita, and Mario. Two of the other children Ronie and Iluminada arrived in the U S just when Nanay was dying. She never dreamt of seeing the country of milk and honey. Nanay was a dedicated hardworking, devoted and loving mother and lola, who instead of falling on stumbling blocks after the death of her husband , she used these blocks as stepping stones to further success.

To her relatives and friends way back home she was very generous and kind . Whenever she goes home for vacation to Tagudin she would distribute presents to all of them making them very happy. Above all, she had a forgiving heart which made her being loved the more. The children will miss her stories of WWII and her simple life as a child. She passed away peacefully, complete with the last sacraments, still with that signature smile on her face at around 2:00 pm on September 5, 2018. For all the times, shared, dreams, laughter ,and tears, Nanay we give you as "pabaon" our love, a special love which only you can bring BABYE NANAY, WE LOVE YOU!