June 9, 1926 — March 27, 2015
Remedios ‘Remy’ Villamor Alejandrino de Lara passed away peacefully at the Hospice in Victoria on Friday, March 27, at 8:05 p.m. with her family around her immediately after prayers were concluded. She was 88. Born on June 9, 1926, in Manila, Philippines, she was predeceased by her father, Alfredo Alejandrino; her mother, Longina ‘Nena’ Villamor Alejandrino; her husband, Domingo de Lara (2002), and four younger brothers: Eulalio, Alfredo Jr., Rodolfo and Anselmo. She will be dearly missed by her younger sister, Evangeline Williams; her seven children and their spouses: Melissa [Nick Lansigan] in New York, Laila [Ben Pires] in Victoria, Danny [Cynch] in New York, Lorina [Milivoj Miklenic] in Victoria, Joel [Melisa] in Virginia, Amabel [JB Lim] in Victoria, and Stella [Ferdie Castillo] in Victoria; 16 grandchildren: Nick and Raymund Lansigan in New York; Erick Lansigan [Reina] in New Hampshire; Karl Pires [Saho] in Japan; Jason and Serena Pires [Amit Ahuja] in Vancouver; Dee, Daniel and Darrell de Lara in New York; Larissa Miklenic; Gabbie de Lara (in New York); Ticia de Lara (in Virginia), Katrina and Anna Lim; Carlo and Nando Castillo; and six great grand children: Liana Lansigan, Misha Pires, Amica Lansigan, Angelina Lim, Kaiya Ahuja and Reyan Ahuja. She was also the foster mother of Manuel, Bella and Lope Sulit, and Emalina ‘Amy’ Ascher after they were orphaned in 1946 and foster grandmother of Simone Ascher. She will also be missed by numerous extended family and friends.
Remy was a devoted and beloved wife and mother and a doting grandma and great grandma. She was a naturally talented cook and an avid gardener. Travel, shopping, delicious home cooked meals, music and laughter were hallmarks of frequent family reunions. Her sweet and charming smile belied her tenacity, courage and strict management. She immigrated to Canada in 1979. Living in Victoria indulged her love of flowers and gardens. She actively participated in enriching multiculturalism through the Philippine Bayanihan Community Centre.
Prayer Services will be held on Saturday, April 4, at 5 pm in McCall’s Floral Chapel, Johnson & Vancouver Streets in Victoria. The Eucharistic Celebration and funeral service will be on Monday, April 6, at 12 noon at Sacred Heart Church at 1440 Nelthorpe Street in Saanich. Remy was grateful for her wonderful life and requested that the attire be colorful and bright at the Celebration of her Life. The family thanks her compassionate doctors, caregivers and the Hospice. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made, according to her wishes, to the Philippine Bayanihan Community Centre, 1709 Blanshard Street, Victoria, B.C. V8W 2J8 or to the Victoria Hospice. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
29 Responses
Mrs. de Lara was a significant part of my memories of my frendship with her daughter, Laila. Visiting their home in Quezon City made me see what a consummate homemaker she was. Her family routine was organized (somehow the fact that she had a seamstress come once a week to check all their clothing needs – repair, sew, etc. impressed me very much), her home clean and beautiful, and her meals delicious. Never did I see her looking any less than beautiful and well groomed. In spite of the fact that I hadn’t seen her since the early 70’s, I am truly saddened by her passing. She was a role model for me, just as Laila was. What a great family!
Dear Melissa and family,
With our deepest sympathy to the De Lara Family. May she rest in Peace.
Amabel and family,
We are sending you our love and warm memories of mama’s laughter and many kindnesses.
Our deepest symphathy to the de Lara fa,milt. Mommy wiki be truly missed..
Sincere Condolences to the entire de Lara Family. May the Lord comfort you in your time of grief ….
Tito Joe Rosario and Family
Going back to 5th grade and throughout our high school years, I saw ‘Mama Remy’ regularly in Stella Maris College involved with you and your siblings’ (including your brothers in SMC for a short period) education and well-being. Whenever I visited your home, there she was making sure that we, your friends and classmates had enough to eat. That is the ‘Mama Remy’ I remember.
We will have a mass said here in Austin for her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dear Laila, Ben and Family,
Please accept our sincerest condolences on the loss of your Mom. Our thoughts are with you all on this sad occasion.
Joanne & Tony Palmer
Our deepest condolences to the de Lara family. I will miss tita remys yearly visit to manila……
I am so grateful to have known Remy de Lara. She was an inspiration to so many of us and she will be greatly missed. She lives on in her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. What a wonderful legacy.