Eminent state university president and sorority sister, Dr. Marilou G. Abon lost to a brief battle against cancer as recently diagnosed; brief enough, as it only takes around a month from the discovery of the dreaded disease when her body system gave up.
Sis. Malou as she is fondly called in the Gamma Epsilon circle died on her 55th birthday on April 23, 2010 at the NVSU-Manila Guesthouse shortly after she was discharged from the St. Luke's Hospital in Manila. She died "in action" as lady president of Nueva Viscaya State University (NVSU) with main campus in Bayombong, N. Viscaya. Her remains were laid at the KC Hall, Central Luzon State University (CLSU), Munoz, Nueva Ecija where she used to be connected with and where her husband, Dr. Carlos Abon, Jr., is currently working and residing. She is survived by her husband Caloy, son Riz and daughter Kay. Her body will be transferred to Nueva Viscaya on Wednesday, April 28, 2010 right after the morning Mass. As of this posting, there is no date yet of interment.
This blogger is close to Malou, we being classmates in Math 14 back in UP Los Banos in 1972. Right after our graduation in 1976, she worked at CLSU where served as adviser of the Gamma Epsilon for years and conferred as lifetime Honorary member along with other prominent CLSU professors like Dr. Marcelo Roguel, Prof. Marcial Estolano, and Dr. Renato Reyes, among others.
Malou and I were together in several Gamma Epsilon activities like annual anniversaries and inductions of officers. In one anniversary celebration of GE where this blogger was the keynote speaker, I remember it was she who made a truly pleasing introduction (of the speaker) which she did very professionally. She was the Keynote Speaker of the first-ever National Convention of the Gamma Epsilon in 2006 held at DA-ATI in Quezon City. It was so memorable because such Convention signaled the national revival of this fraternity/sorority after decades of hibernation.
I have still many good memories of Sis. Malou, but may be I can write those in the future, hoping to immortalize her good deeds to the academe, her peers, community and country and to this fraternity/sorority (Gamma Epsilon).
Meanwhile, posted here are some photographs during GE/GLE first national forum in 2006 where she was the keynote speaker. As the Epsilonians say, pax et bonum! (JSF Blogs)
Dr. Marilou G. Abon was a people person and had a true aspiration for others. My name is Terry Dineros. I had the opportunity to meet Marilou after my graduation from high school in 1969. As a teenager, it was fun to be with Marilou. She would take me to the rice field to watch the sunset. She told some jokes and great stories. We once had a trip to Salina’s Salt Spring, and as our bus passed by the narrow road, she mentioned that one day she would help the farmers of Nueva Vizcaya. Her desire was to do something positive for her people and her country.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I knew Marilou for a short period, everything that remains in my thoughts is her beautiful outlook on life. When I joined the U.S. Navy in 1974, she advised me that no matter what I do, to try my best to succeed. I have always carried Marilou in my prayers, whether I was out to sea, land, or air. Her passing is an awakening, and I hope that whoever carries on her responsibilities and dreams would continue her legacy. For now, I send my condolences to Mr. Abon and his family. Rest in peace, Marilou.
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