November 3, 1948 – February 15, 2023
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear Mother, Teresita Chavez, on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 surrounded by loved ones, at home at the age of 74 years old. She was predeceased by her father José, mother Maria, brothers Venancio and José Jr., sister Erminda and niece Maria Maja. Her memory will be cherished by her husband, Artemio, daughters Teresa Audrey (Enrique) and Marie Kristy “Marikris” (Philip), her beloved grandchildren Jailene, Jeric, Elise, Aiva and granddog, Gucci. She will also be deeply missed by her brother Cresenciano Presingular (Aurora), in-laws, nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.
Maria and José Presingular welcomed their fifth and youngest child, Teresita, on November 3, 1948 in Baclaran, Parañaque, Metro Manila, Philippines. Her father passed away when she was only three years old which left her to be raised by her mother and older siblings.
As a young girl she enjoyed visiting many beautiful places including beaches and spending many days swimming. She attended St. Agnes Academy in Legazpi City. In 1965, after graduating high school, Teresita and Artemio met for the first time. Teresita pursued her studies at the University of Santo Tomas and completed her degree in Nursing at Marian School of Nursing. Teresita and Artemio started their courtship in 1967 and up to 1972. After some time apart, Artemio and Teresita were married in a civil ceremony at City Hall of Parañaque City on May 23, 1975. Later in 1975, Teresita joined Artemio in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. They celebrated with a second church wedding in Winnipeg in November 1975.
In 1976 they welcomed their first daughter, Teresa Audrey. Teresita returned to work first at Beacon Hill Lodge followed by Winnipeg Clinic where she was a medical receptionist. In 1981, she began her career as a unit clerk at Seven Oaks Hospital. In 1982, they welcomed their second daughter, Marie Kristy. Teresita, otherwise affectionately known as “Terry” to her work family, returned to work at Seven Oaks where she fulfilled 30 years of service working on various units, Day Surgery and finally in Dialysis.
In 2011, Teresita formally retired. However, not ready to completely give up working (or seeing her many friends and co-workers) she remained on as a casual employee until her heart surgery in May 2019. Being one of the original employees since the opening of the hospital, she was known as one of the legends of Seven Oaks. Her co-workers spoke affectionately of her being such a hard worker and will miss her smile, kindness, gentle nature and her generous offerings of lumpia and empanada.
Teresita’s pride and joy were her daughters, Audrey and Marikris, and her grandchildren Jailene, Jeric, Elise and Aiva. As kids, she took time to spoil her daughters, nieces and nephews with outings to the zoo and Seven Oaks Pool. Some of her favourite times were spent gallivanting with her family going for brunch, to the beach, the park, The Forks, the mall and visiting the many local outdoor festivals and events that Manitoba had to offer. She definitely had a green thumb and spent many summers tending to her geraniums and an abundance of other plants and flowers. She loved spending time laying in her hammock in the back yard listening to her favourite crooners like Michael Bublé, Nat King Cole, Tom Jones and Mark Anthony to name a few.
She had a profound love for her grandchildren and always made time to care for them. She so enjoyed watching them run through the sprinkler and swim in the kiddie pool during summer breaks. She was never reluctant to open up her home to be surrounded by family and friends to celebrate special occasions or just for an impromptu BBQ. Christmas was her most favourite holiday – she loved decking out the house with decorations while listening to holiday tunes and seeing the joy and excitement of the kids as they opened presents at the stroke of midnight.
Being more of a homebody she spent many hours relaxing on the couch watching Little House on the Prairie, The Waltons, Golden Girls, Hallmark Christmas specials and other countless romantic movies. Teresita had a sweet tooth and indulged in pies like strawberry rhubarb, lemon meringue, key lime and apple crumble, and her native Halo Halo.
Teresita was a selfless, generous and loving Mother, Grandmother, Wife, Sister, Aunt, Colleague and Friend. She put others before herself and ensured that those she loved were always cared for.
Mom, we will miss you so much, but we know you will always be with us – when the clouds part and the sun peeks through, in the first sip of sinigang or when Michael Bublé plays on the radio. Rest peacefully in the embrace of the Lord. You are home.
Lamay was held on February 24 at Glenlawn Funeral Home, 455 Lagimodiere Blvd. Funeral Mass was held on February 25th at St. Gianna Beretta Molla Roman Catholic Church, 15 Columbia Drive. A Reception followed at Glenlawn Funeral Home. A private cremation service was held for immediate family at a later date.
The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the staff in Urgent Care and 4 North at Victoria General Hospital for their exceptional care and to the Palliative Care Team for their guidance and assistance in helping us fulfill Mom’s final wishes to be at home.