Amerensia de Veyra Balagapo
Amerensia de Veyra Balagapo
OBITUARY
AMERENSIA DE VEYRA BALAGAPO, 75-year old matriarch of the De Veyra Clan based in Tanauan, Leyte, Philippines, suddenly passed away on October 5, 2020 due to COVID-19, with complications arising from a previous health condition.
She was the eldest of originally 35 first cousins, who all have maintained close relationships with each other despite being located in different countries including Canada, the United States and the Philippines.
A nurse by profession, she worked in hospitals in Manila, Chicago and Miami before going back home to Tanauan to take care of her then ailing mother, and then retiring later to manage family affairs.
Born towards the end of World War II, or liberation, she was named by her parents after the three allied nations, America, England and Russia, hence the unique name Amerensia.
As the eldest of a bunch of first cousins, she was firm and strict and didn’t mince words when criticizing perceived misdeeds, but was very giving, caring and loving to those who needed help most in terms of health and basic needs.
She was predeceased by father Eugenio Balagapo of Sulat, Samar and mother Pacita de Veyra Balagapo of Tanauan, Leyte, and elder sister Leysa. She is survived by 26 grieving first cousins, their children and grandchildren, who will always remember her for her kindness, compassion and generosity. She also leaves behind her beloved pet dog, Andre.
Interment was held on October 6 at the family resting place in Tanauan, Leyte.
Rest in Peace Mana Amie. You will be missed but always loved.
A decent burial for a loved one during COVID-19
By Mila Astorga-Garcia
The De Veyra clan — composed of the Astorga, Balagapo, Enage, Musca, Querubin, Flores-De Veyra, and Monge-De Veyra Families — wish to thank all those who offered condolences, sympathies, prayers and support during the time of sorrow.
Despite Mana Amie’s unexpected sudden demise, and strict COVID-19 protocols requiring the body to be cremated or interred within 24 hours from the time of death, the family was able to give her a solemn and decent burial. From the funeral morgue in Tacloban City where she was fetched, a convoy of properly distanced cars followed the van carrying the coffin in procession, stopping in front of the family home in Tanauan, where relatives waved goodbye from afar, before she was finally laid to rest. She was dressed in the white dress she wanted, before she was placed in a body bag – a strict requirement — then sealed in a beautiful coffin.
At the cemetery, everyone remained inside their vehicles to keep vigil while six men in PPE worked efficiently to place the coffin inside the white tomb.
After the burial was done, the vehicles dispersed and went their own way. Some family members in the Philippines and Canada, including this writer based in Toronto, were able to join the funeral convoy live online, connected by Messenger to relatives in the van, with the entire event recorded from inside the van and from outside by a drone video camera. The resulting footages of the funeral ceremony were immediately sent to family in different parts of the world.
As one family friend in Toronto who was shared the video commented, “Thanks for sharing. As if I was also there (participating in the funeral convoy).”
A proper memorial to celebrate Mana Amie’s life will be held, as daily novena prayers are being observed at the family home.
(Disclosure: Mana Amie is the eldest first cousin of the author.)
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