19 December 2011, Munoz Science City, Nueva Ecija. - It's a tricky day, as it seems Filipinos are in quandary whether to sing "Silent Night, Holy Night", a solemn song, or shout with "Joy to the World" celebrating the yuletide season. Why? Two significant events are in our midst - it's Christmas time to celebrate, and the occurence of typhoon "Sendong" which is currently devastating southern Philippines, Iligan and Cagayan de Oro cities in particular.
Similarly, Nueva Ecija Christians particularly those from Munoz, were in the same predicament whether to celebrate or to mourn, as a dear Church mother Sis. Lydia Tadatada is laid to rest today, just a day after her 84th birthday on Dec. 18.
Nanay Lydia, as she was fondly called in the Christian circle, was born in Aliaga, Nueva Ecija to Gavino M. Olanda and Elena D. Santos. She has 2 sisters, Margarita O. De Jesus (deceased) and Norma O. Verde. She was married to Alfredo Jose Tadatada on May 14, 1964. She finished her AB Political Science and BSE at Far Eastern University. She taught at Jole High School in Sto. Domingo, NE, and then at Munoz Central School (Elementary level), where she retired shortly before joining her 4 children in America - Redo, Nel, Girtie and Jerry. She was indeed a woman of faith whose favorite verses in the Bible, reflecting her personality, were as follows: Matthew 6:33 (Seek ye first the kingdom of God. . .), Philippians 1:12 (. . .to live is Christ. . .), and Revelation 2:10 (about being steadfast in faith).
Nanay Lydia died in New York City last Dec. 10, 2011, and was flown to the Philippines where she wished to be buried. Her mother Church, MCC, honored her wake through series of necrological services, and buried at the family-owned cemetery in town, the Margaret Memorial park.
One of her closest niece, Sis. Glenda De Jesus-Romulo, gave during the requiem a comprehensive life history of Nanay Lydia, which will appear in the coming issue of SUNBEAM newsmagazine. (JSF reports)
No comments:
Post a Comment