Salvacion Austria Fuentebella

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Salvacion “Sionny” Austria Fuentebella, 86, of White Rock, BC. She was called to Heaven on Sunday, December 3, 2023, and passed peacefully in her sleep.

She was born to the late Leoncio and Flora Fuentebella on July 11, 1937, in Naga City, Philippines. The second eldest of 6 children, she dedicated herself at a young age to keeping the family together and caring for her younger siblings after their parents’ untimely passing. Her journey eventually led her to Canada, settling first in Toronto and then eventually, in Vancouver/White Rock where she would continue to help a number of her siblings and other family members also settle in Canada to pursue their dreams.

Sionny was a strong believer in higher education and was particularly adept in finance, having graduated from the University of Nueva Caceres with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce and earning her Certified General Accountants of Ontario designation, ultimately leading to a 23-year-long career as an Auditor with the Canada Revenue Agency. While proud of her various achievements, she made it her priority and duty to ensure that her family in Canada and the Philippines had access to higher education opportunities to grow and be successful.

Always a devout Catholic, her faith never wavered, even in the face of mounting health issues. She was an active member of the Good Shepherd Church and the White Rock community where she built many long-lasting friendships. A collector of many religious souvenirs, her devotion to faith also led her to volunteer annually at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, France which brought her great joy and fulfillment.

Sionny was strong of will and fiercely independent but had the kindest heart, always willing to see the good in others and help those in need. Her great passion (other than caring for her dog, Patcha), however, was to travel and see the world having visited many countries over the course of her lifetime.

She is survived by her brothers, Leoncio and Ronolfo (Ronny), and her extended family.

There will be a viewing at Vancouver Memorial Services and Crematorium 5505 Fraser Street, Vancouver, BC on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm followed by a witness cremation.