January 5, 1942 – November 3, 2019
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Emilia Rivas Buenafe (77) of Winnipeg, Manitoba on November 3, 2019. Emilia was born to parents Atty. Inocencio Rivas and Jacoba Aquino on January 5, 1942 in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, Philippines.
Emilia worked as a teacher in Luba (Upper Barit), Abra, where she met her husband, Rodolfo Buenafe Sr.; they had been married for 56 years. Emilia and Rodolfo have five children: Gema, Rodolfo Mathias, Jerold, Jocelyn, and Jay.
Emilia enjoyed going for walks and playing cards with friends and family. After the couple’s retirement, they immigrated to Winnipeg, Manitoba in 2009. Emilia was diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) in 2016, and succumbed from it three years after.
Emilia was a hands-on mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Emilia taught them the value of education, humility, and humor. Emilia was proud to see her children and grandchildren graduate with flying colours. The family will always be grateful to her generosity and love.
Emilia loved the Lord. She attended both the Roman Catholic Church and the International Worship Centre. The family has entrusted Chapel Lawn Funeral Home and Cemetery with the arrangements.
Lamay will be on November 8 and 9 from 6:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., 4000 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Prayer service will be at 7:30 p.m. on November 8th and at 6:00 p.m. on November 9th. Funeral mass is on November 12th at St Gianna Beretta Molla Church, 15 Columbia Drive at 10:00 a.m. Interment is on November 14 at Living Waters Columbarium at 11:00 a.m.
Emilia is survived by her husband Rodolfo and children Gema (Joey), Rodolfo Jr (Connie), Jerold (Roanne), Jocelyn (Nelson) and Jay (Abbie); grandchildren Mary Grace, Jose Carlo, Jose Ignacio, Pauline Joy, A-jay, Maria Franchesca, Alexander, Jeann, Anne, Charles, A.J. (Kana), Jonhelyn, Cedric, Jonhel, Seanne and Micah; and great-grandchildren Alexon and Aethan.
Our sincerest thanks to WRHA Family Managed Care program, Paula Makarenko, Dr. Russell Albak, staff of Deer Lodge Prime Program, and to all the home care workers.