Condolence: Rest in peace Elsa

Condolence: May 16, 2016 on Marc and Elsa's 29th year wedding anniversary, we will celebrate Elsa's life with us...please come! http://www.newsflash.org/2004/02/tl/tl013737.htm

Condolence: my dearest elsa, it has been just over a month from those very sad and quiet weeks in December, your last with us, ours with you and sadness has remained immense. last night Marc sent me an email and as if a miracle, i heard your familiar and loving singing voice once again; for me a sweet flashback to my old choir with you and Marc for almost 2 decades at Our Lady of Lourdes.... last night, your voice warmed my heart anew and sadness and loss became sweeter, easier, brighter. so i thank Marc for bringing you back to me via mp3. i, too have been racking my music archives and found a favorite song-prayer of yours we sang together at a Communion that Sunday many years ago: "Let Me Be" (when i am weary, just a little bit more cheery; let me think more of my neighbor and a little less of me...) remember? since then, it has become my favorite too until today. i will send this to your beloved Marc as soon as i convert it from my old cassette tape to mp3. Dear Marc, as i said earlier, sadness becomes sweeter, warmer as time goes by. this i assure you, with my love and prayers. we will both continue to keep in touch re the memorial for the celebration of Elsa's life planned for this Spring at Our Lady of Lourdes, downtown Toronto...and i wish everybody here at Els' memorial website to take note that our old choir with Marc and Elsa of long ago :) (circa 1970 to maybe 1987?) are now in brainstorming stage which will likely happen in the Spring 2016. so, to all of Elsa and Marc's friends and families here, there and everywhere, we hope you will make time to join us at Our Lady of Lourdes in downtown Toronto to rekindle our brightest and glorious life with Elsa. to me having read your messages here, we have all become Elsa's soulmates. watch for further announcements from me and Marc. Celia Samson who was also part of our old choir and who remained with me here at Our Lady of Lourdes all these years have spearheaded this Memorial and initially already met with Fr Bert Foliot (at Regis College) and our present pastor at OLOL, Fr. John (Sullivan). i thank God everyday because like Elsa and Marc we never grew old as we continued on with our Music Ministry in our church. God has kept our hearts alive to be fortunate servants of our church. until next time, lee

Condolence: Dear Manny jr I was so saddened to hear about Elsa,as one who too has recently lost a loved one I understand the difficult time you and the family are going through.There is nothing anybody can say that can alleviate your pain and sorrow. "What we once enjoyed we can never lose All that we love deeply becomes a part of us" yours in sorrow and grief Nasim

Condolence: Our heartfelt sympathy and condolence to you Manny. Thinking of you in this difficult time. Remember when we were at the same table at Don's birthday? We will pray for the repose of Elsie's soul. She is in heaven. Polly (sister of Susan Dizon)

Condolence: GOODBYE ELSA, REST IN PEACE: Yesterday was a sad day....we said our last goodbye to a very dear friend, one of our longest time best friends whom my wife and I were blessed to have known and remained friends with for more than half of her life. In the latter half of our long friendship, she battled cancer and appeared to be winning, we hoped, as she never displayed any change in her outlook and caring and loving ways. But God wanted her more than we did. She was several years younger than me but she always made me feel the opposite. Every time I saw or spoke with her, her first words were always “how are you, is everything okay?” and expressed them with a profound concern in her modulation and the look in her face. I really don’t know how to express it but except to say that she was “mothering” me, always making me feel comfortable when we visited her and Marc; and like what mothers do, we always had something “to go” when we leave, as if her devotion and affection were not good enough. Often, it was a plant that she had nurtured no doubt with the same tenderness and affection that she extended to us. I always thought that, along with the tender touch, she must have sung to her plants as well for she sang like the angel that she was. She was the lead singer in our church choir. The notion that opposite attracts is a myth because I know that Elsa and Marc were closer that most couples I know because of their common love for music, their unwavering common faith and their common loving, caring and tender spirits, and, of course, their unconditional love for each other. When it was my turn to say goodbye, I looked at her face, still showing semblance of her beauty despite cancer’s unholy assault to her physique and when I touched the tip of her cold hand, I felt the warmth of her inner beauty that opened my tear ducts. Marc’s goodbye tribute to Elsa touched me even more and my tears rolled down freely. Truly, Elsa and March are saints! And because we love them so dearly, Elsa’s departure was even harder to accept. While the sad turn of events shook my faith somewhat, I resigned myself to believe that Elsa’s sufferings and by those in the same situation are but offerings of sacrifices in their journey towards reconciliation and union with God. Elsa, you were a perfect example of an angel on earth and for that you automatically deserved to be an angel in heaven. You are not gone in our book for your tender and loving spirit lives on in our grateful hearts, and you were simply passing through via your mortal life to a life of immortality in the house and presence of God, who had a seat already reserved for you. And Marc, please know that you are and will always be in our thoughts and prayers, and that wherever we are and wherever you may be, we are always there for you.

Condolence: Marc, I am so sorry to learn of your sad loss. May your wonderful memories of Elsa sustain you through this most difficult time. You are in my thoughts.

Condolence: There are no words only love. Elsa we love you and miss you.

Condolence: Elsa was the kindest, sweetest and most generous person I have ever met. She would do anything for anybody and when you visited Elsa's home she would make you leave with so much stuff that she lovingly gave to you. The world has lost a great person. Elsa had a great singing voice and whenever I hear the song "Tennessee Waltz" my heart will cry for the loss of Elsa. So sorry for your loss, Marc.

Condolence: With deep sorrow, we send our condolence to Marc and Elsie's family. We have fond memories of Elsie since we became friends and members of Our Lady of Lourdes Cursillo Ultreya Group in 1972. Her kindness, beauty and singing voice will always be remembered. Eternal rest grant unto Elsie, O Lord, and let perpetual light upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.

Condolence: To Uncle Marc, Auntie Nelly, Auntie Miriam and Family, On behalf of Manong Albert, Manang Zeny and Family, Please accept our sincerest condolences for the loss of a favorite and most loved cousin who was not only beautiful on the outside but more so in the inside. You left so many fond and warm memories which hug our hearts now in the midst of our sorrow with your passing. You fought a long and courageous battle our dearest Elsa..but in the end God's will prevailed. And now you are free of bodily pain and is now reunited with God our Father. Rest in peace our darling Elsa and we hope you will always watch over us all from up there. From Manong Albert: thank you Elsa, for you had always been my guardian angel and i hope you will continue to do so beyond this world. From Manang Zeny: Thank you Elsa for giving me the gift of my job which helped sustain my family all throughout the years. We will forever be grateful for your kindness and generosity. You may be gone from this world...but your memories will live on in our hearts forever. Rest in peace Elsa...you will be missed all the rest of our lives.❤

Condolence: marc, she was a gift to all of us that knew her such a grand lady, generous, kind nature and a memory like an elephant who never forgets a name or face elsa introduced me to hula hula drink I thank George chan who introduced us couple decades gone by we watched your earlier days jamming on the guitar at elsa and your home I am blessed and happy I had chance to meet people like you two. she left an imprint in my heart. her memories will live on in all of us.

Condolence: Marc - I am so, so sad that she's gone but content that her pain has ended and that she's finally sitting with God. Because you and she had such a strong bond of love, I know she's still very close by you. So please, when you have the moment to speak to her, please send her this message from me: Ate Elsa - I will remember how you found every reason to have me stop by for lunch. I will remember how you help nurse my broken spirit with every meal you and Kuya prepared. I will not forget how being around you was a lesson of what happiness and love can be. I will not forget your subtle way of teaching me how to forgive and see the good in people. I will remember how you encouraged me to grow spiritually without judgment. I will remember that you said singing is like prayers to God’s ears, so I must sing every chance I get. I will not forget that you have faith and belief in me. I will not forget that I was blessed when I met you. So until we meet again, Ate… I will never forget to always remember you. With all my love - Ceres

Condolence: Condolence Tito Mark, Auntie Miriam and Auntie Nelly from Lauro and Mila Family, Eternal Rest Grant Unto Her O Lord and let Perpetual Light Shine Upon Her. Amen. Rest in Peace My ninang Elsa.

Condolence: Marc, our heartfelt condolences on the passing away of our dear beloved Elsa. We pray; Eternal rest grant unto Elsa O LORD and let perpetual light shine upon her. May Elsa's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in CHRIST'S peace. AMEN. A blessed Christmas to you. Jun & Pat & family

Condolence: Elsa was simply our gift. For me, she was a hero of gentleness, kindness and generosity. Full of life, fun, singing and dancing. And, to see the love between Elsa and Marc, two soul mates, so pure and courageous, brought me joy. I love you, Elsa. I know you will continue to be generous to us from heaven, and you will be in our hearts forever.

Condolence: The value and enjoyment of everything that we do is repeatedly multiplied when we share them with someone special. Elsa was a long-time dear friend, a very good friend and someone very special to her families of relatives and friends. Notwithstanding our constant prayers, it is believed that God does not change so that Elsa’s passing is according to God’s timetable. Despite that she’s no longer in pain, we who love her so much cannot find any positive spin to what has just occurred. But we all have a reason to rejoice because.... She died not like a rose petal that was blown away from the garden She died not like a broken jewelry, whose beads are spread uneven She died not like stars above that disappeared as the morn arrives She died not like the fleeing birds that fly away when winter thrives She died a beauty like gems on a tiara that donned a princess’ head She died in beauty like Marc’s songs he sang as she rested in bed She died in glory like the sun greeting the living when dawn rolls in She died in glory like the moon’s glow and the stars begin twinkling She died in glory as her all her loved ones celebrate her new haven She died in glory as God took her hand, and they walked to heaven

Condolence: December 15, 2015 was a painful day because I lost my beautiful sister, Elsa, my best friend. She was escorted by the Angels to be with God after a strong fight against breast cancer. I am so blessed to find some hope in this most crashing, painful day – the gift of this last November when the Lord allowed us to repair what had been broken and healed our hearts. It was not enough, not nearly enough, but we were given extra time to say I love you to each other a lot more than we ever had. I don’t think I will ever recover from the sadness of losing my beloved sister. I believe that we don’t get over the loss of a loved one, but we do learn to live with it. Elsa would have liked us to do more than that. I will not mourn her death, but rather celebrate her life. She will live on in the wonderful memories that I have of her, from our childhood to the present. I feel her spirit, I hear her wonderful laugh and I sense and see her in my mind all the time through countless memories that we shared. I celebrate the way that she lived her life and the pleasure she gave to me and to so many people. In her inimitable way, she had more concern for others than for herself up to the very end, and anyone who knew Elsa well will tell you how courageous and selfless she was. It was never about her – it was about everybody else. She truly was one of the most generous and giving people in this world, which is one of the many reasons why she was loved and admired by so many. Elsa will always be remembered for her compassion, generosity and zest for life. She was an example to everyone she met of how to live life to its fullest capacity. I am honoured that she was my sister and I will always remember her as the strong, kind-hearted, determined, sometimes feisty, independent, loyal, fun-loving, witty, joyful and artistic woman that she was. For me, she was not just my guiding star – she was my entire universe, too. Thank you, Sis, for being my angel and my best friend. Thank you for being part of my foundation and my life. Thank you for being you and letting me be me. You promised me that you will watch over us. I am holding you to that. I love you, Sis, more than you will ever know, and you can always count on me that your memory will live on in my heart.

Condolence: Please accept our deepest sympathy to the family of Elsa. May she enjoy eternal rest and everlasting life. Amen

Condolence: Elsie along with Manny: Thank you for pouring your sincere love for our elder son, Michael Dave, during our absence from Toronto whilst living temporarily in the Latin America. Both of you had considered, our elder son as well as our younger son, Oliver as your very own. Such support from true friends like yourselves will last. Let us live with those years of great memories: visits, restaurant outings, and home made meals topped with all the Filipino desserts, thus saving the Best for Last with your "masahog na *Special Halo-Halo* to end any visit. THANK YOU! For Elsie: "GOD SAW" God saw you getting tired And a cure was not to be So, HE put His arms around you And whispered, "Come with ME" With tearful eyes, We watched you suffer And saw you fade away. Although, we loved you dearly We could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating Hard working hands at rest God broke our hearts to prove HE only takes the BEST. Els' kind heart and giving spirit touched so many and will never be erased. Manny, may take comfort in knowing there is one more angel above us. May God 's relentless love enfolds you during your difficult times and may you allow the rest of your family and friends like, us ease the healing time. Love&Blessings Susan & Don

Condolence: Nonoy, I was surprised reading your email about Elsa's passing away. Thank you for letting me know. I didn't have the chance to meet her personally, we just exchange email messages not so often...but from all that I hear, I believe she was really a very beautiful person. I can imagine how everybody will miss her, especially you. Revelation 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying, "Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." "Blessed indeed," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!" In behalf of the Villafuerte family, I am sending you our sincerest condolences. We are with you in prayers.

Condolence: Our prayers will continue to be with you and your family. Elsa battled cancer with joy in the Lord -- her sweet smile always showed the radiance of Christ in her life. I'm glad that she is now resting in peace with all the other saints in heaven rejoicing that she has run this race well. Thank you for letting me know, I only knew both of you for a short time -- but I will never forget Elsa. She was a very special lady. May God comfort you and your loved ones!

Condolence: Condolence to the bereaved family. To the loving husband Bro. Marc, Sis. Elsa is already at peace with our Almighty, where there is no pain,sufferings and worries.With the great person that she was when she was still here in earth, no doubt that God with all the angels and saints welcomed her in heaven with open arms and assurance that all will be well to the people that she left behind. Bro. Marc,keep the faith, stay strong, and be positive. Carry on she is praying for you.

Condolence: Our condolences to you and your family Mark. Elsa was a shining light to us. We will remember days when the doorbell rang daylight or dark, rain or shine. There was Elsa with a bag of goodies. A lovely angle full of happiness and so strong through her illness. Rest in peace Elsa. Our thoughts are with you Mark.

Condolence: Elsa was such a beautiful person.when David & I moved to Port Charlotte,Elsa & Marc were the first to greet us.And from there became good friends. She will so missed. But I think she must be wishing that we could know today how nothing but our sadness can pass away. For nothing Loved is ever lost. And Elsa was loved by all who new her. I will miss you my See Friend..

Condolence: Dear cousin Mar, Hers is a life to be celebrated. Celebrated for who she was and how she lived. For the dreams she followed and the gifts she shared. For the relationships she nurtured and the people she loved. Everything that made her the love of your life will live in your heart to keep her close to you. Will never forget Elsa's lovely smile and beautiful soul. With caring thoughts of sympathy. The Espinosa Family

Condolence: My my memorable encounter with Elsa was through Marc during the rehearsal for their song composition of "Ating Paraiso" at their home. I never met a lovelier nor kinder person than Elsa and everyone who met her just loved her. She brought little goodies to our rehearsals and always welcomed me into their home when I would drop by and visit for hours on end. Another good person gone too soon, but I'm comforted to know her suffering has ended. She is now with God and Chip... rest in peace my good friend. We will miss you so much...

Condolence: We are deeply saddened by the loss of your dearly beloved wife, Elsa, our sister in Christ. Prayers and fond memories are what we have to remember her. May our Lord bless and strengthen you. May the love of family and friends comfort you during these difficult days, our heartfelt condolences. God Bless.

Condolence: Dear Bro Marc and family, Our heartfelt condolences and prayers to you and family, May she rest in peace with LORD. Amen

Condolence: My life was touched and blessed forever when I met Elsa and Marc. The love between the two of them was that of trust, faith, admiration and respect. Elsa's smile was contagious and her kind heart and spirit were truly a gift from God. I am praying for you, Marc and your family during this very difficult and sad time. May God's abundant love fill your heart more than ever and bring you peace. Love and blessings from Kathy & Steve Burnam in Port Charlotte

Condolence: My condolences to you Marc and your family on the passing of Elsa - an Angel sent to us from Heaven to better the lives of all those she touched. A beautiful human being on the inside and the outside, Elsa had an amazing caring and loving nature. I pray for your peace and comfort as you continue your life journey. May you take solace and strength in the loving memories of Elsa during this difficult time. "What is lovely never dies, but passes into other loveliness". Thomas Bailey Aldrich

Condolence: Elsa was so strong and full of courage throughout her illness. She had the most beautiful smile and sweet soul. She had a gentleness about her that would draw you to her. Elsa will be missed by all that were blessed to have known her. Her friends in Florida will never forget her.