LUISA JUANEZA YUDAI

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LUISA JUANEZA YUDAI Peacefully, after a rich and full life, Luisa Juaneza Yudai passed away on November 11, 2003, at Misericordia Place. She was a few weeks shy of her 101st birthday. Luisa was born on December 20, 1902 to Adriano Juaneza and Olympia Ledesma in Jaro, Iloilo City, Philippines. In her twenties, Luisa found a job at a movie theatre as a "takelyera". There she often flirted with a young Cantonese immigrant who worked nearby. Eventually, she agreed to become his wife. She married Tomas Yudai on February 27, 1934. Unlike most young women of her generation, Luisa embarked on a profession, helping her husband run a successful Chinese restaurant and investing in farmland. She had three children, Alice, Tom and Luis, and spent much of her time praying, crocheting and playing Mah Jong. A devout Catholic, she was also an active member of the Catholic Womens League. After the death of her husband, she lived with Alice and her family. In July 1973, in the wake of political upheaval, the whole family immigrated to Winnipeg. Here they joined Luisas second child Tomas and his family. She helped raise her seven Canadian grandchildren, who affectionately called her Nanan. Well into her 90s, she continued to take the bus to Eatons, and do much of her own cooking, shopping and cleaning. She escaped the Canadian winter by travelling back to the Philippines. Luisa was independent and generous. She frequently helped those who were less fortunate. She was blessed with good health and friends and relatives who loved and cherished her. She was predeceased by her husband, Tomas Sr. and her son, Luis. She will be lovingly remembered by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, Alice (Pol), Tom, Christine, Paul and Alec; Tom (Caring), Iris and Ruby (Matthew) Maria (Tony), Lauren and Ella. Her family wishes to thank the staff at the Misericordia Health Centre and Misericordia Place. Prayers will take place on Thursday, November 13 at 7:00 p.m. and at 9:00 p.m., viewing will be from 6:00 p.m. till midnight in the Garry Memorial Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, November 14 at 2:00 p.m in the Garry Memorial Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd. Interment at Waverley Memorial Gardens, 1501 Waverley St., with reception to follow. Flowers are gratefully declined. Garry Memorial Funeral Home Cemetery and Cremation Centre 925-1120

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 13, 2003