Teofila was born March 5th, 1948 to Simeon and Julia Tanguamos at Baclayon, Bohol, Philippines. She is survived by her loving husband Lawrence, daughter Geralyn (Jason), and two wonderful grandsons Cohen and Brixton. Back home in the Philippines, she is survived by two sisters and two brothers, namely Gunding, Marcos, Terry Mieh along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. Teofila also had three nieces living in Canada, one of whom is here with us today, namely Demi (Skilliter), along with husband, Ralph, along with their daughter Nicole and son Eddy. Teofila had extended family in lowa, California, Florida and North Carolina.
When Teofila was younger, her siblings could not pronounce her name, so they nicknamed her, Ping. After a few years in Canada, the nickname that covered herself and Lawrence was Ping Pong. When her mother passed away from Leukemia, Teofila returned home from Divine Word University in Tagbilaran City and raised her siblings until they grew up. Returning back to university, she completed her Master’s Degree.
Teofila worked with the Maryknoll Fathers Missionary Congregation in the Visayas region of the Philippines as their Provincial Secretary. Her boss, Father Jerry Peters suggested to her, when she finished her contract, that it might be a good idea to travel to British Columbia and as a Frontier Apostole lay volunteer. Teofila took up the challenge, spending two years in Dawson Creek, where she encountered snow and cold weather for the first time. Apparently, she thought that snow was bird droppings. Thanks to her fellow FAs and the parish of Notre Dame, she survived her first winter in Canada. Teofila finally met the love of her life, Lawrence; they were married in Dawson Creek; the wedding reception was put together by the parish of Notre Dame under the leadership of Rose and Randy Nowicki along the Gibb family After a year of teaching in Dawson Creek, Teofila and her husband moved to Fort St. John for eight years. After studies, Teofila worked for the North Peace Community Resources, helping out families. It is Fort St. John, that the joy of our life was born, Geralyn.
Arnold Poelzer from Kamloops and the principal of Immaculata School decided that Teofila had to move to a warmer climate, namely that of Kamloops.
Eventually, she made it to Kamloops and first of all served as a substitute teacher at OLPH and Saint Ann’s Academy. Later, she worked at the Kamloops Community Resources and in their collection of group homes.
Teofila was especially known for her exquisite cooking and she was the consummate entertainer. She loved having neighbors and friends come over for a meal. This included bishops, priests and brothers along with teachers and school administrators. She always took great joy in the accomplishments of Geralyn. When able she was a strong member of the CWL in Fort St. John, Dawson Creek, at Sacred Heart Cathedral and St. John Vianney. At this time, we would like to thank the priests on the altar for their loving care along with Father Derek Cameron all of whom made sure that Teofila was able to receive the sacraments. To the Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers from Sacred Heart Cathedral and St. John Vianney for making sure that Teofila was able to receive the Eucharist on a weekly basis. Teofila suffered a long list of medical issues for over eight years, these illnesses included kidney failure, diabetes, heart issues and finally dementia. She was a silent sufferer. We thank the LTC staff at Westsyde Landing and Chartwell Tranquille, for the compassionate care that they gave Teofila. Finally, allow us to thank the staff and doctors at the RIH Renal Dialysis Unit who took such good care of Teofila over the years. Their care provided Lawrence and Teofila with extra time to grow together as a couple. To the Renal Dialysis Unit at RIH, we thank the nurses and doctors who compassionately cared for Teofila for well over eight years.
Vigil prayers will be held at 7:00 pm at St. John Vianney on Thursday, June 25th. The Funeral will be held at the same parish at 11:00 am on Friday, June 26th, followed by a reception. Finally, Teofila’s internment will be held on Monday, June 29th at 11:00 am at Hillside Cemetery.
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