JOSEFA LOPEZ LEDDA

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JOSEFA LOPEZ LEDDA Peacefully in the early morning of Sunday, January 16, 2011, our sister, auntie, great-aunt and mother of all passed away into the arms of our Lord at the age of 88 years. Josefa (Pepay) was born on February 4, 1922 in Balaoan, La Union, Philippines. She finished college at the age of 18 with two degrees: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Bachelor of Science in Home Economics. Soon after, she completed her Master of Education. She devoted her whole life to her loved ones, working as a teacher to put all of her siblings, as well as some of their children, through school. In the Philippines, Josefa taught a variety of subjects including home economics, arithmetic, social studies and geography where she was greatly admired by all of her peers. She always emphasized the importance of education, often acting as a tutor and mentor on top of her regular teaching duties. After 40 years of dedication to her profession, Josefa retired and came to Canada in 1984. Her unwavering love and devotion to her family continued, helping to take care of her nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews. A gifted woman of many talents, it was not unusual for her to be cooking a fantastic meal or baking delicious desserts and sewing or hemming garments simultaneously. Josefa was also an extremely intelligent woman; her sharp mathematical skills, poetic writing ability, and vast knowledge of world issues were but a few examples of this. An active member of the Catholic Women's League in the Philippines and in Winnipeg, Josefa was a deeply religious woman of great faith. There are not enough words to describe the woman she was. She was a wise, generous, patient, forgiving, honest, sincere, reliable, peaceful and, most of all, loving person who was highly respected by all who knew her. She strongly believed in a proper manner of conduct that entailed the respect of one's self and of others. She always wanted what was best for her loved ones but gave constant support regardless of what one did and the choices they made. Her complete selflessness was remarkable. Josefa left a lasting impression on whomever she met and immediately touched their hearts; as such, she will always live on through those blessed to have been guided and inspired by her. She is survived by her brother Antonio and his wife Fely, brother Benjamin, sister Lolita (Presing), sister Adel and her husband Nestor Ponce, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews and other relatives and friends who will remember her and cherish the memories of her here on earth. Josefa's family is grateful to all of the home care workers who cared for her. They would also like to give tremendous thanks and gratitude to the staff members of AB2 and CD3 at Riverview Health Centre for their extraordinary compassion, support and care and loving Josefa like she was one of their own. The viewing/lamay will be held on Saturday, January 22 from 6:00 p.m. until 12:00 midnight at Thomson In the Park Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd, Winnipeg. Prayers will begin at 7:00 p.m. Funeral mass will be held on Monday, January 24 at 10:00 a.m. at Mary Mother of the Church Parish, 85 Kirkbridge Drive, Winnipeg. Reception to follow at Thomson In the Park . As per Josefa's wishes, interment will be in the Philippines. THOMSON IN THE PARK 925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 20, 2011