Teresita Ruiz Medina Abary

Tessie was one of my prettiest cousins. I was her Manang Lydia, who would do anything for her. I saw her grow up and she was a fair beautiful baby with curly hair. She grew up to be more beautiful and I often called her "Ava Gardner". I remember most of the time, she was in college at the Sta. Teresita School of Nursing and Hospital. When on weekends, we would attend a party, "Jam Session", and I would readily sew her a dress in less than an hour. She was tall and pretty and I was proud to be with her. I loved dressing her up. We were invited to Santa Cruzan and she was always a stand-out. She was a strong-minded person, honest and frank, but she had a good heart. We had so much fun, teased and laughed a lot. Though we got separated when she left for the States, the few times she would come home for vacation to the Philippines, we would pick up where we left off. Tessie, you will always have a special space in my heart. Say, "Hi", to my mom and dad, our uncles and aunties, lolos, lolas and cousins.
I'm so much in pain and grief for the passing of a beautiful person, my cousin Tessie. She will be remembered with deep love and joy. She is now home with the Lord and we have an angel in heaven. She will remain in my heart and memories forever. My heart goes out to my cousin's family, Auntie Pining, Alex, Christian, Arlene and Brian and her apos, pretty and loving sisters:  Angelita and Marivic, her brothers:  Romy, Mario and Carmelo.
Goodbye our angel, Tessie. I love you and you will be missed. Tell mom I still sing her songs she taught me.

Love,
Manang Lydia

As a young girl, I have always wanted to be just like my "mother".  Every person she met and every room she walked into, would light up at the sight and presence of my MOM.  She was a NATURAL BEAUTY, great leader, hard worker and ever so loving to her family.  Today, as I sit and read cards, emails, texts and letters of condolences from family and friends, I cannot believe how many lives my mom influenced, touched and helped across the world.  I am grateful to have spent 40 years of my life with her and proud to call her "MOMMY"!  I have many memories of her but one that stands out the most is the day of my wedding! 
As she helped me dress and we took our mother-daughter pictures, she said, "I am so proud of you and happy you have found your soulmate.  You are our Angel'.   

March 29, 2013:  A few days after mom passed, my father, Richie and I were sitting at the kitchen table trying to gather our thoughts and start planning her services.  I asked my dad if he wanted to hold her reception at the Marriott in Cypress (where we held my grandma Mang's 90th Birthday in September 2012).  Tears came pouring down my dad's eyes as he explained to us that mom had told him many months before that the only place she would like us to hold her reception if she passed was at one of the Happiest Moments celebrated in her life.  She told my dad to have it where, "Arlene and Richie had their wedding at the Disneyland Hotel, Magic Ballroom-the Happiest Place on Earth.  This was one of the happiest times in my life because I was able to reconnect with many family members and meet new family members.  Everyone was joyous and enjoyed themselves".  When dad told us that, my heart sunk and tears rolled down Richie and my faces.  It was such an honor to hear that from my dad.  We feel very fortunate to have been able to celebrate at the exact same ballroom.  This was the exact same ballroom she walked into with a glowing smile and radiant charm five years ago...She looked amazing then and now!  As I walked into the ballroom that afternoon, the moment was so surreal.  To see all the people that loved and respected my mom there, over 300 plus people, just showed me again how much my mom made a difference to many across the world.  Ironically, five years ago, that was one of the happiest days of my life because my mother was there to celebrate with me.  That day-March 23rd, it was one of my saddest days because she was not!  But five years later, even though Mom wasn't there physically with us, her spirit and presence encaptured the whole Magic Ballroom.  Mom would have wanted us all to remember her smile and her personality.  To treasure the good times and always be happy.  So, it was indeed a magical celebration-the perfect celebration for her.  I know she was smiling down and proud!  I still miss you everyday, Mom. 

You are now MY Guardian Angel watching over me!  I promise to continue your legacy.
I LOVE YOU ALWAYS! 

You are In my heart Forever, MOM!
Your daughter,
Arlene, "Your Tweedle Dee"