Carmelita Colendrino Salazar

Carmelita leaves behind her daughter, Jennifer Salazar-Costas and son-in-law, Ricardo Costas, as well as her son, Richard Allen Jimenea and daughter in-law Veronica Abria Jimenea, along with her four grandchildren: Ben, Tiffany, Richard Jr. and Aileen.

Carmelita was glamorous, vibrant, unforgettable, and truly one-of-a kind. A woman of great warmth, humour, and passion, Carmelita gave up so much of herself. Her generosity and selfless nature were her signature characteristics.

Carmelita was born in Manila on March 23, 1939. She led a successful career, which began in the Philippines as a Professor of Science at the University in Baguio. In 1968, Carmelita arrived in Canada and years later she began her career as an esteemed educator for the TDSB, teaching at Winona and King Edward P.S. In the evenings and weekends, she taught ESL to adults and was a Summer School Principal at the High Park Outdoor Education Program. Her love for teaching went above and beyond as she served for organizations as Vice-President for TTF (Toronto Teachers Federation), Social Events/Pension Convenor for WTA (Women’s Teacher Association), Coordinator of Communications for OWL (Ontario Women’s Leadership), Executive member for RTO (Retired Teachers of Ontario), and President for Rendezvous Club. Carmelita was also an avid reader and a wordsmith, a regular columnist for the ETT newsletters, DIALOGUE and ROLE CALL. Aside from her many contributions to education, Carmelita sang her heart out as a member of the Retired Teachers Toronto Choristers and St. Basil’s Parish choir. Carmelita also belonged to the University of Philippines Sigma Delta Phi sorority and help organized the 2006 World Reunion with over 300 guests in attendance. She was well known in the Filipino community and was a regular contributor to the newspaper, BALITA.

Carmelita was always supportive of the ones she loved and held close to her heart. She was gracious, kind, and passionate in so many ways. Carmelita lived life to the fullest. She enjoyed travelling around the world, gardening, painting, playing the piano, and culinary cooking. Carmelita was very fond of operas, symphonies, and ballets. Most of all, she was a doting grandmother and proud of the family she leaves behind. Carmelita’s legacy of honesty, integrity, sharp wit, and love for life will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Rest peacefully dear Carmelita.

If not able to attend in person please join the live stream link below, to view the Funeral Mass.

Funeral Mass for Carmelita

Time: Mar 15, 2025 11:00 AM America/Toronto

Join Zoom Meeting

https://utoronto.zoom.us/j/89353154830

Meeting ID: 893 5315 4830

Passcode: 258035

In memory of Carmelita donations, can be made to the Palliative Care Unit at Sunnybrook Health Sciences

https://donate.sunnybrook.ca/tribute