Chona Pacot Anwar passed away on Monday, November 16, 2020 at 10:20 PM in Dallas, Texas surrounded by family. She was born on December 15, 1960 in Surigao City, Philippines to Cosme and Caridad Pacot. Chona was the youngest of four siblings, Carlo, Cerlina and Cynthia. She grew up in the Philippines and moved to Auburn, Nebraska in 1973 when her father came to practice as a Reverend in the United States. She later moved to Texas in 1979.
She attended the University of Texas at Arlington and focused on Business Administration. During her time in school, Chona met Masud Anwar through a mutual friend. One night after seeing Chona in her purple Marriott uniform dress, Masud thought, “That’s the girl I’m going to marry!” And he did - the two were married on December 22, 1988 in Arlington, Texas.
Soon after, Chona and Masud moved to Hong Kong. They welcomed their ‘made-in-China’ daughter, Amalia, in 1990. They moved back to Texas the following year and their family continued to grow - Sabina was born in1993, and Alyssa in 1996. While building a family, Chona worked in accounting across many industries professionally, including oil and gas, manufacturing, and macaroni (Kraft Heinz).
As the girls grew up, Chona played the role of baker, expert chef, costume designer, and DIY queen. She welcomed everyone into her home and treated them like they were her own. Chona always had a project and was always planning her next trip. She never missed Dallas Restaurant week, and according to her, could make everything better herself at home.
Chona was diagnosed with cancer in 2013 - she fought fiercely for over seven years. Anyone who knows Chona knows that she took on this battle with grace, persistence, and relentless positivity, with no hint of bitterness. She didn’t let her diagnosis stop her from becoming a dog mom for the seventh time, taking on a home renovation, running and selling a successful restaurant, traveling all the way around the globe (again), and being friends with literally everyone she ever met.
Chona is survived by her very spoiled husband, Masud, three daughters, Alyssa, Sabina and Amalia, soon-to-be son-in-law, Brandon, and two four-legged children, Sully and Honey.
A funeral service for Chona will be held on Saturday, November 21 at 12 PM at Grand Prairie Funeral Home (733 Dalworth Street, Grand Prairie, TX 75050). The service will also be live-streamed for those who cannot join us. Flowers may be sent to Grand Prairie Funeral Home and donations may be sent to the Woods United Methodist Church in Grand Prairie.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grandprairiefh.com for the Anwar family.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.11.0