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Wahoo(victor taylor posted a condolence
Saturday, May 28, 2022
Just a personal reflection.
While our families grew up together in Cebu, I really did not get to know Aurora until we moved to Toronto. She was 12 years older than me and was more the contemporary of my elder sister Betty who shares the same birthdate as her but is one year younger. Aurora and Betty used to play together as kids in our home in Tina-an.
As I got to know her better here -- starting from when she moved to Bridgepoint in 2018 and on to Presentation Manor afterwards (I visited her often in both places) -- I began to learn more about her life and what kind of a person she was. And as I started working on her obituary and this powerpoint, I realized how accomplished and generous and wonderful a lady she was. Imagine, a simple country lass from a small barrio in Cebu ending up doing ground-breaking scientific work in the most prestigious universities in the world -- Yale and McGill! But she still retained her roots and her simple tastes, as shown, for example, in her dream house in Sun Valley with all its bamboo furniture. And she never lost her love of learning, always exploring, always wanting to learn new things, as exemplified by her travels around the world. She asked me several times during the last year, for example, about the ages of archeological structures like the pyramids of Egypt, the Babylonian gardens, etc., although she did that really to needle her companions in PM, priests and nuns, her impish side, to challenge them to answer how men during those olden times, hundreds and even thousands of years before Christ was born, could come up with such marvels!
I have to admit that as I worked on the powerpoint I got teary-eyed at times, telling myself that there was so much more I could have learned from her, but grateful that I had the privilege of getting to know her better these past 3 years.
Wahoo
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gemma labitan posted a condolence
Saturday, May 28, 2022
OUR ATE AURORA
In the Philippines, we call an elder sister our “Ate”. It is a sign of respect, part of the Philippine cultural practice of showing respect for our elders.
Our Ate Aurora was many things to us. She was, first of all, the glue that held our family together, who looked after us and ensured that we were all firmly on our own two feet.
Even when we were children, she was like a mother-figure for us. I remember, for example, that whenever my younger sister Armi and I would fight, I would run to Ate Aurora rather than to our mother to complain, confident that she would be able to settle our differences.
She was the one who was essentially responsible for getting us all to Canada, not just we siblings but even our mother. (Our father had passed away in the Philippines.) If we had any problems, we knew we could run to her for help and advice.
When I first moved to Canada in 1975, even though she was busy with her work in Montreal, she took a week off to show me around Toronto and introduce me to the way of life in Canada, something that a province-bred young girl like me would find not just surprising but even confusing.
And the influence she wielded within our family applied not just to us, her younger siblings, but even to our mother. Once, in the 80s, when our mother was quite ill, our mom would not listen to the advice that we her children would give her. At least not until Ate Aurora herself stepped in. When our Ate explained to our mom what she needed to do to get better, our mother unquestioningly followed her advice.
Our Ate Aurora was also a consummate professional. With her Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of the Philippines, she was able to get a position to train in Germany with the prestigious firms Bayer and Agfa. After her training in Germany, she got a position in Yale University and joined the team of Dr. William Prussof who developed the first combination drug therapy for HIV-AIDS. This was ground-breaking research at the time, research that saved countless lives.
After 5 years in Yale, she moved to McGill University in Montreal and worked with the team of Dr. Phil Gold who was one of the leading researchers in the field of cancer. Ironically, Ate Aurora worked in the area of colon cancer which eventually is what she became ill with and caused her death. She spent 31 years in McGill. With such a professional record behind her, what more could one ask for?
Ate Aurora had her naughty side as well. Some of you here may have been the target of her teasing, pointing to pre-historic monuments like the Pyramids built around 2,500 BC, or the oldest known structure in the world, the Gobekli Tepe in Turkey, dating back anywhere from 7,500-10,000 BC. She would say, “Here are superior civilizations that have built these astounding structures thousands of years before the coming of Christ. Who are we to think that we are superior to them or have knowledge that surpasses what they knew and created?” I think she may have needled some of you with comments like these while sharing lunch with you in the dining hall.
Ate Aurora prepared for her death many years ago. She had done everything she wanted to do in life. She had a satisfying professional career, one in which she worked with other professionals developing medical advancements that have saved thousands of lives over the years. She had taken care of her family, all of us, her siblings. She did not have a troublesome husband or pesky children to worry about. She had gone around the world several times, often taking some of us siblings with her. She had fulfilled everything she wanted to do in life. She felt she was ready to go.
And so, six years or so ago, she had DNR – Do Not Resuscitate – tattooed on her chest. When it would be her time to go, she did not want any interventions done to prolong her life. Last year, when she was at Mount Sinai Hospital because she was feeling weak, the doctors wanted to give her a blood transfusion but she refused. She told the nurses, “Don’t waste the blood on me. I know there is a shortage of blood and you are always looking for blood donors. Use it for someone else who needs it more than I do.”
She was eager to go on to the next great adventure of her life, to meet her Creator.
In recent months you may have heard her complaining about her being in the pre-departure lounge of an airport as a “chance” passenger, not knowing when her flight would be taking off. She would go on and on about this, expressing exasperation and frustration, eager to make her departure from this life.
Then, all of a sudden, her tune changed. Perhaps one of you, her dear friends, helped her see things from a new perspective. From expressing impatience and frustration she became more accepting of her situation, accepting that things were not under her control. She now began saying that she was a sheep, part of a herd of sheep, just following her Shepherd, and she would just wait to see where He would bring her.
Well, Ate Aurora’s Shepherd has now taken her home. Let’s just hope that she is not teasing Him, asking Him about the pyramids and other prehistoric monuments and how it is that these came to be built! He might just decide to send her back!
Eternal rest grant unto Ate Aurora, O Lord,
And may perpetual light shine upon her.
Thank you, Ate, for everything you have done for us and for the many whose lives you have touched.
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Fr. John Malo posted a condolence
Saturday, May 28, 2022
The homily given by Fr. John Malo CSB during the memorial mass for Aurora Labitan on March 19, 2022.
- Aurora's family chose The Beatitudes for the Gospel Reading taken from Mt.5:1-12.
Here are my beatitudes for Aurora:
Blessed are the humble (who knew? Aurora was a Chemistry Teacher, Research Scientist, Researcher at Yale and McGill in Cancer Research).
Blessed are those with deep Faith, (Aurora had a very special and deep relationship with God in her prayer life and spirituality ...A supremely Christian Virtue).
Blessed are those with a sense of humour (Aurora’s departure lounge image).
Blessed are those who keep giving to others (Aurora was a St. Francis Table volunteer, 12 year as a Green Coat Volunteer at Vancouver Airport).
Blessed are the curious, the wanderer and the sojourner (she has visited more than 80 counties…always seeking and learning).
Blessed is Aurora for all she has given to each of us in her own special way. May she rest in peace in the embrace of God and all the saints of heaven!
C
Christine Gebel uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, May 26, 2022
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A simple and solemn prayer accompanied the burial of Aurora's ashes in her brother's backyard. According to her wishes, a pear tree was planted at the spot.
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Phil gold posted a condolence
Friday, March 11, 2022
I have learned, belatedly, of Aurora’s passing. My heartfelt condolences to all members of her family.
Aurora was, personally snd professionally, one of the finest people with shim I have ever worked.
May her memory be a blessing.
Sincerely,
Phil Gold
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Victor Taylor uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, February 17, 2022
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Mila and Augusto Labitan uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, January 29, 2022
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This is Aurora to us, always the caring and thoughtful person in our lives ♥️. Will be missed is an understatement.
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Mila and Augusto Labitan lit a candle
Saturday, January 29, 2022
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Mia Labitan posted a condolence
Friday, January 28, 2022
Auntie Rora lived a full life lead by her independence, determination, intelligence, and compassion. Her love of animals, travel, gardening, and cooking were all things that she shared unreservedly with those around her.
She had a huge impact on the lives of my brothers and I. From our summers with her in Montreal when we were young, to our many trips together, she was always opening our eyes to new experiences and places.
She lived her life fearlessly and on her own terms. May we all the have the courage and confidence to do the same to honour her memory.
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Rosa MIao posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 26, 2022
Aurora’s unique laugh sound still rings in my ears when I think about her. She is bright and clever, always positive toward life like a fresh breath of air to whoever is around her.
Aurora and I go back 55-years of friendship. For the last 30 years, we lived in different counties, but our friendship never changed. We visited each other in Dallas, Vancouver and Toronto. We even took trip to Spain with another colleague of ours.
When we worked together at McGill Cancer Center, a lot of people thought we were sisters. She loved nature and animals. In the backyard of her duplex, she planted a lot of flowers and vegetables, even asparagus. She had a big dog around the house, so every time after I visited her, I needed to change my outfit, as my pants would be full of dog hair.
I am so glad I got the opportunity to visit her during the last stage of her life at Presentation Manor. That time, she still remembered our good times and always sent her regards to my family members.
Aurora, my dear friend, I miss you. You will always be in my heart. I believe you are already in the place near God to spread your kindness and laughing spirit to the people around you.
I love you, dear Aurora, I believe we will meet again someday on the other side of world.
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Antonio Labitan posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 25, 2022
Auntie Rora lead an amazing life and she did it on her terms. Even when she knew it was her time she did things her way. After 88 years she didn't know any other way to lead her life. She was extremely caring, intelligent and driven to make to make the most of time here on earth. I'm sure you could write a novel based on accolades, experiences and the many focal points in her life but I'll always remember her as Auntie Rora.
May she rest in peace.
C
Carlos Labitan posted a condolence
Monday, January 24, 2022
Auntie'Rora left an indelible imprint on countless lives not just on friends and family but also all those she helped through her tireless years of work in cancer research and volunteering.
With a wealth of knowledge and life experiences she always offered her practical, albeit sometimes matriarchal advice to all those that would come bend her ear.
We are all blessed to have had her in our lives and we are all better people because of it.
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Gemma Labitan lit a candle
Friday, January 21, 2022
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John A. Carten posted a condolence
Monday, January 17, 2022
From: John Carten <jcarten@scarboromissions.ca>
Date: January 17, 2022 at 3:51:35 PM EST
To: gemma labitan <knighton68@yahoo.com>
Subject: RE: Write-Up for Aurora
Gemma,
I did not realize that Aurora died on December 21. I want to offer you my sincere condolences on her passing on to eternal life. No doubt she is praying for you each day and giving thanks to you for the incredible kindness you showered upon her during the last years and especially months of her life. I was in Ottawa and just returned around January 4th at which time I had to enter quarantine in my room for 10 days. I am now resuming office work once again.
Whenever I met Aurora in the halls here at Presentation Manor I was always amazed at how deeply she longed to go home to be with the Lord. I am sure that she is now very much at peace and filled with joy beyond what we can even imagine as she prays for all of us in the very presence of God.
May God bless you for your faithfulness to her.
With a hug and a prayer,
John
John A Carten, sfm
Treasurer General,
Scarboro Missions,
124 - 61 Fairfax Crescent
Toronto, ON
M1L 1Z7
Tel 416-261-7135 Ext 5745
jcarten@scarboromissions.ca
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Dr. Adam Goldman posted a condolence
Friday, January 14, 2022
As a physician I have been blessed to work with so many wondering people, but Aurora is definitely someone who absolutely will always standout in my memory. I would love our visits and listening to her stories about world travel, her research, and other funny anecdotes. I have never met anyone who had such clear goals of care, and such practical views on death and dying. She was ready to pass on for sometime and it brings comfort to know she is finally where she wanted to be. May her memory be a blessing.
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Noel Antonio uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, January 11, 2022
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Noel Antonio uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, January 11, 2022
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Wendy Wine uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, January 9, 2022
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Aurora, February 2020
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Michael Yeh posted a condolence
Friday, January 7, 2022
It is with my great sorrow to learn that Aurora has passed away.
I had the valuable opportunity to cross paths with Aurora when she returned to Toronto in 2018 and came to know her a little bit more each time we met. Through the small talks we had, I learned from Aurora the contributions she made in her medical professions which changed the lives of many. I was profoundly touched by the relentless hard work and passions Aurora had dedicated to benefit vast majority of recipients from her research.
I recalled visiting Aurora at Presentation Manor. I was amazed by walls and walls of photographs taken at her journeys in almost every corner of this world. As I am writing this message, images of Aurora flashes across my mind – a person with a big heart, someone whose energy radiates positivity into the lives of others. Aurora’s philosophy of life is inspirational; it humbles my life experience and drives me to continue to give back to the community generously.
Aurora, the footprints you made, the lives you touched and the legacy you left would be carried on.
Aurora, you would be dearly missed but I know you are in the loving arms and blessings of God.
Sincerely
Michael Yeh
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M. Bridget Nazareth posted a condolence
Friday, January 7, 2022
Salutations to Aurora. She has given her best to life.
Her active life was spent in research for the benefit of so many and the beauty of it is that those many people who benefitted from her research would never know the person behind it. And that is what Aurora did - not wanting or expecting anything in return. She wanted her life to be spent for the good of others.
She was truly the matriarch of her family who she sponsored in order to give them as well a better go at life.
Through all of life, she also was balanced and enjoyed what life had to offer, travelling to many countries to take in their beauty and culture.
Talking with Aurora, I was really impressed by the thought she put into everything she did. Even to making her funeral arrangements so that to the end her whole self would benefit creation. Thus she chose the best ecological manner in which to totally give herself to God in Creation. Faith, wisdom and love were her hallmark. She was a woman of great faith. I know she is overjoyed to be with her Maker and Shepherd of her life.
Aurora, may you rest in peace.
C
Cecille Labitan Lopez posted a condolence
Thursday, January 6, 2022
She likes our second Mother to us
When she is around
She is naturally strict in a good way
Because of her vast knowledge & wisdom.
She is kind & loving to us all her cousins. She is always ready to help.
She is also a very faithful servant of God, doing lots of volunteering including in the Church where belongs. We love you ate Au.
***†*******************************
Even though you are gone away,
Your love will always be here to stay.
You touched our hearts with so many things.
God knew you were the one to save,
He took you home to get some rest,
Even though we loved you best.
Our hearts are filled with so much pain,
God loved you more, there was no shame.
At this time we must let go.
Your memories we will keep a flow.
Rest our dear ate Au with peace of mind,
Your memories will live on through.
We will miss and love you ate Au
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Gemma Labitan posted a condolence
Monday, January 3, 2022
Gemma, I am so sorry that I was totally unaware of Aurora's passing. I'm sure you will miss her. What stands out, among all memories of her, is being my first home guest to our very first apartment in MI. Danny and I were impressed at how she was so brave and courageous, to drive by herself from Chicago to Detroit. But I was already looking up to her, and considered her to be a very smart, independent woman. I will be praying for her soul to Rest In Peace, and for her loved ones to have comfort in grief. Let me know what I can do for you. ❤️ Lolita
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Fr. Mike Traher S.F.M posted a condolence
Sunday, January 2, 2022
I offer my prayerful tribute to your sister Aurora, who has gone home to God. I remember her when she first came to Presentation Manor how she appreciated the place and the community. She seemed very satisfied with her life, having done whatever she wanted, and now could live quietly in a nice atmosphere. Even when she was struggling with her failing health she gave you a smile that everything would be okay as she had entrusted her life to her loving Creator. Her faith really carried her and gave her joy in the midst of letting go.
She surely appreciated your sisterly care for her right until the end.
I believe she lives now in the fullness of life, in the heart of our loving God. And that we will one day all be together again with Christ and his holy family of which we are members, sisters and brothers.
All the best to you Gemma
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Gemma Labitan uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, January 2, 2022
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Father John Malo special mass celebration for Aurora at Presentation Manor.
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Gemma Labitan uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, January 2, 2022
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During her 88th birthday celebration with friends and family.
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Gemma Labitan uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, January 2, 2022
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The days of lucidness of Aurora with family and friends.
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April McNally uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, December 29, 2021
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Nathan from eco posted a symbolic gesture
Tuesday, December 28, 2021
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To all who know and love Aurora,
May this memorial web page designed in tribute to Aurora bring smiles and peace as you begin to share stories, photos and memories of her life here.
Warmly,
Nathan at eco
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The family of Aurora Labitan uploaded a photo
Wednesday, December 22, 2021
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