Obituary for MARIA MAGDALENA MARIETA OLEGARIO
July 22 1935 - August 31, 2020
It is with great sadness that the family of Maria Magdalena Marieta Olegario (née Sauco) announces her passing on Monday, August 31, 2020 at the age of 85. Marieta was born in Manila to Martina and Arnedo Sauco Sr. in 1935. She worked as an administrative assistant to the general of the Philippine Air Force in the late 1950s. She married Manuel Olegario in 1960 and together they raised four children: Clem, Jean, Grace, and Alli. In 1976, her whole family immigrated to Montreal, Quebec where she worked as a nursing assistant at Lachine General Hospital for 20 years. In 1997, Marieta and her husband moved to Victoria, B.C. to enjoy their retirement years. In 2006, after acknowledging their health needs, they moved to Chicago so that Jean, a registered nurse could be their health advocate. After her husband's death, she returned to British Columbia, Canada, and eventually settled in Vancouver where her daughter Grace resides.
Marieta was blessed with innate nurturing and caring qualities. She did not limit her mothering role to just her 4 children but extended it to her nieces, nephews, neighbor's kids, her friend's children and her children's friends. She welcomed them in her home, entertained them with her sense of humor, animated stories and delicious home-cooked meals. She listened to their individual challenges and personal struggles without judgement and in so doing, they confided in her and sought guidance and support. She reveled in the care of her pets and enjoyed fragrant flowers such as gardenia, jasmine and dama de noche. As a dedicated nursing assistant, she made a difference in the lives of her patients giving special attention to the needs of the elderly. Their families often recognized her for making their loved ones comfortable and giving them genuine compassion. She went above and beyond her duties by uplifting the souls of patients and staff every evening with her piano virtuoso. Marieta had a generous soul who gave freely to the less fortunate even when it meant she and her family would have less. She was merciful to those who were socially isolated and marginalized and never missed an opportunity to offer a kind gesture, big or small. She supported charitable organizations such as St. Jude Research Hospital and World Animal Protection. Until the last moments of her life, she was steadfast in being more concerned about the needs of others before her very own.
Marieta is preceeded in death by her husband, Manuel, her mother, Martina and her father, Arnedo Sr., brothers Freddie, Guillermo, Benigno, sister Nerisa and pets Peaches and Oki. She is survived by her 4 children Clem (Rowena), Jean (David), Grace, Alli (Alma), her grandchildren Andrew, Alliyah, Kristina, Jessica, Justin, Gina, Ryan and Sam, her sister Erlinda, brothers Claudio, Norberto, and Arnedo Jr. and many loving nieces and nephews.
Charitable organizations suggested by the OLEGARIO family
World Animal Protection
https://secure3.convio.net/wspaca/site/Donation2?22593.donation=form1&idb=2079275970&DONATION_LEVEL_ID_SELECTED=1&df_id=22593&mfc_pref=T&22593.donation=root
PAWS Chicago
https://my.pawschicago.org/tribute-donations/Donate
St Jude's Children's Research Hospital
https://www.stjude.org/give/memorials-and-dedications.html?sc_icid=wtg-lz-memorials-image
Due to Covid, attendance will be limited up to 50 people so it would be advisable if you check with Grace regarding Attendance at the service. Please telephone Grace at home.
Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, September 16th, 2020 @11:00am **CAPTION: Not Tuesday**
Guardian Angels Parish
Address: 1161 Broughton St, Vancouver, BC V6G 2B3
Private Viewing begins at 10:30 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the charitable organization in the name of our mother would be appreciated
Cremation by Kearney Funeral Services, Vancouver, British Columbia.