Maria Richie Dizon died on October 29th, 2010 at St. James Hospice after a three year battle with cancer. Maria was born in Tarlac, Tarlac, Philippines on October 4, 1974. She is survived by her father, Eric; mother Marilou; brother, Eric Jr. and sister, Marie Dale, as well as many relatives and friends.

Maria immigrated to Canada with her family in June 1991, at the age of 17.  She has lived in Vancouver, Edmonton, Toronto and the Philippines and has been to many places all over North America, Europe and Asia. She graduated from the College of Holy Spirit in Tarlac City, Philippines; Sir John A. MacDonald Collegiate in Toronto and Langara College in Vancouver. Maria was a hard worker; she worked at Zellers, the Victorian Nurses Association, Health Canada, United Cycle, Conversion Company, and Vancouver Coastal Health.  She also attended and volunteered at Guardian Angel Church.

Maria especially loved travelling, cooking, shopping, dancing and hanging out with her friends. Maria was kind, generous, accepting and compassionate. She always had time for others and her laughter and spirit will forever be felt and remembered by those whose lives she touched.

A special Thank You to the St. James Cottage Hospice for their loving care during her stay; Callanish Society, Three Bridges Community Health Centre, B.C. Cancer Agency, UBC Hospital, Vancouver General Hospital and Mt. St. Joseph Hospital. Thank you to all staff, volunteers, family and friends for your love, care, compassion and support during Maria’s battle. We wish to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude for all those who offered prayers and masses, visited and kept vigil with us, sent flowers and notes of sympathy and in countless ways condoled with us during this time of deep sorrow. We are truly blessed. A very special thanks to Father Mario Marin of St. Anthony’s of Padua Parish. Rest In Peace, Maria Richie.