Donna Bastes Lazo
March 3, 1923 - September 19, 2010
Obituary
Donna Bastes Lazo
Donna Bastes Lazo, formerly Celedonia Mariano Bastes, age 87, passed away on Sunday, September 19, 2010 in Seattle. She was one of fourteen children born to Bonifacio and Catalina Bastes on March 3, 1923 in Zamboanga City, Philippines.
Donna is survived by daughter Lorraine Lori Lazo Horne, son-in-law, Eric R. Horne, Nephew Damaso Lody Abad Marcy, niece Merlita Rodrigo Frank, niece Ailene Limric Mychal and their children Benjamin and Erewyn Limric, nephew John Lazo Sally all from the Seattle area.
Donna is also survived by her sisters Dolores Bastes Nicolas and Benita Bastes Bagares, Philippine Islands, with a multitude of nieces and nephews in the Philippines, United States and other countries.
Though not related by blood, but certainly related by heart, Donna is also survived by a daughter, Dawn Marie Hogan-Kruschka, who not only grew up with Donna and daughter Lori, but was very involved in her care the last several years of Donna�s life.
After surviving the ravages of war with her family Donna met her husband of 51 years, Frisco Trinidad Lazo, during the Japanese Occupation in the Philippines. Frisco was born in San Nicolas, Pangasinan, Philippines, and was offered an opportunity to join the United States Army and become a U.S. citizen. He was transported back to the Philippines as a U.S. Army Private, met Donna in Talon-Talon Zamboanga City, fell in love and despite the obstacle of her parents� disapproval obtained permission to marry her by way of a letter issued by Lt. Colonel D. C. Blake of the United States Army. Donna married Frisco on August 4, 1945.
Frisco and Donna were only married two months when Frisco and his Army troop were assigned to go to Hiroshima, Japan to investigate the bombing. Donna was left behind in Zamboanga to wait while Frisco finished his tours of duty, applied for Army discharge, and prepared for their future in the United States. Despite all the planning, Frisco was called to another assignment to Okinawa and Donna was forced to make the long journey on her own, and she bravely traveled with a group of WWII War Brides aboard a military transport the USS General A. W. Brewster. This was the first time in Donna�s life to ever leave home and her family. Upon her arrival on July 16, 1948, Donna�s first sight of the United States was the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, CA, which created an impression that stayed with her throughout her life. From San Francisco, Donna traveled by train to Seattle, Washington where she spent the rest of her life, never to return to her homeland again.
Donna and Frisco wanted a child, but there were several miscarriages. It was nine years before Donna and Frisco finally celebrated the birth of their only child in 1954, a baby girl they named Lorraine Bastes Lazo.
About 12 years later, Donna studied hard and was welcomed as a U.S. citizen in the mid 1960�s by United States Senator Warren G. Magnuson.
Donna loved gardening and cooking and was devoted to her husband and daughter her whole life. She lived in their home on south Beacon Hill in Seattle for over 62 years and is preceded in death by her husband, Frisco in 1996.
Viewing will be held on Thursday, September 30th at 6:00 with a Rosary following at 7:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held on Friday, October 1st, at 1:00 p.m. at BONNEY-WATSON Washington Memorial, 16445 International Blvd., SeaTac, WA 206 242-1787. Donna will be laid to rest beside her husband at Washington Memorial Park after the service on Friday.
Remembrances may be made to Columbia Lutheran Home, 4700 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98103.
Dearest Lori,
I am so sorry to hear late! about the passing of your mom. After reading her story, I see that your mom was just as amazing as you. God bless you and Eric and thanks for sharing your mom’s story with us. Love you!
Mom, I miss you so much and now that Binky has also passed and is finally with you, it feels like you’ve left us again and once again our hearts are breaking. Please know that Binky was always faithful to you and she knew that you were around her. We always felt your presence around Binky. I think about you and Dad every day and know that I have you in my heart forever. I love you.
Mom Donna, this is your son-in-law Eric. Not a day goes by that you are not missed by both Lori and myself. As of today your loving Binky is with you and we hope you are a comfort to each other. She was a good girl; strong-willed and full of personality, she will also be missed greatly. With all our Love, always, Eric
good morning, my name is marlon bagares, grandson of benita bagares. in behalf of my family we are extending our condolence to lola donna bastes lazo. we are very unfortunate for not knowing her personally. we only heard her name to the story that our grandmother told us. we will always include her in every prayer that we make. my grandmother right now is still alive but she is bedridden already.her age is 94 years old. we have also received the invitation card for the burial of lola donna last December 25 2010. i hope you will read this message of ours.in case you want to send a message for us just sent it to kurapica03_2003@yahoo.com. again my deepest condolence for lola donna from my family here in zamboanga city. merry christmas…….
“The death of a mother is the first sorrow wept without her.” I was so touched by the obituary. She sounds like an incredible individual a life so rich and full. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My deepest sympathy.
Rose Holman
Qwest
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother Lori. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your loved ones. May she rest in peace. She was so lucky to have a daughter a beautiful as you. Please call me if you need a friend. I have time to share with you if you need anything.I am so sorry to have missed the service. I just heard the news.My phone numbers are as follows 206 498-8634 and 206 329-DOGS {3647 } I love you lovely Lady. Aloha Rose
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lori-
There was a reason I just learned this today as it is the 4 year anniversary of my Mom’s death and I believe this was a way the message was sent that our Moms are together now probably sharing stories about us I love you and Eric and I will put you on our prayer roll that you may recieve much comfort at this time. I wish I was there to give you a big hug!
Lori and Eric, I am so sorry about your loss. Her picture was a exact image of Lori, only older, with that lovely smile and brightness in her eyes. I could see she was loved and had a lot of love to give. I can only imagine your sorrow with a heavy heart. Like so many say, and I do believe it to be true, she now resides in Heaven, always there for you forever. My prayers are with you both and your families. Take care of yourselves. God Bless.
Lori & Eric
My deepest sympathy – my prayers are with you!
We will keep all of you in our prayers during this difficult time. So sorry about your loss Lori, Eric, and the rest of your family.
Lori, Sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I’m sorry for your loss, my prayers are with you, Eric and your extended family.
Lori, my thoughts are with you. She lived an amazing life, and she will be part of you and all whose lives she touched forever.
“Perhaps they are not stars in the sky,
but rather openings
where our loved ones shine down
to let us know
they are happy.”
— Eskimo Legend
Dear Lori and Eric,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of loss.
Lori, Your whole family has my condolances on the passing of your mother. I know she is still watching over you and she is with the angels. You have my sympathy and my prayers Marlene Tift
II Cor 5:8 tells us to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Mama is with the Lord. And she will forever be remembered. I am thinking of you with sincere sympathy Sis, with much love & aloha.
Lori and Eric
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your Mom. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Chris
Dear Lori and Eric – We are sorry for your loss and want you to know we are thinking of you. As the daughter of immigrants I also know that the extraordinary people make extraordinary life journeys and choices. We are the better for it. With love and respect; Ruth & Sue
Lori and Eric Hi, I am sorry about your mom, it is hard times and sad times, and floods of memories. One thing that always helps me in my parents absence is “when I look in the mirror my parents are always with me”
Thank you for sending me the website it is beautiful.
Hugs Lori and Eric.
Mary Joy
Growing as a young girl in Zamboanga City, I felt so special having you as my aunt. Those boxes of chocolate bars and the beautiful walking doll you gave me made me the envy of the neighborhood. Until this day, our family still has that doll. I brag to my classmates in nursing school for having an aunt like you. You have always spent time helping and sending us those things that otherwise my family would have never had. I treasure those memorable times we spent together when we used to visit you there in Seattle. I love you for all the things you’ve done for me and my family in Zamboanga and I’m glad my children Rochelle and Roy Anthony met their grandaunt as toddlers and later as grade schoolers. Thanks a million for all the love and care you shared with us and the memories of our family get togethers during our visits with you. You are always in our hearts. I love you……
Trekking through Cali, north-ward bound, my family took this treasured trip where along the way we gathered in a great family picture on the iconic Golden Gate Bridge of Great-Aunt Donna, whom I called “Gramma” out of respect as I would call my own grandmother, through Oregon all simply to get to Seattle & share quality family time with Gramma, Grampa, Auntie Lori & Uncle Eric. Going outside to put my nose in a book, a cat ran past me and Gramma said, “You know what her name is?” I shrugged. She replied, “Chi Chi, just like YOU!” I shuddered at the thought. Growing up, my family’s nickname for me was “Chi Chi” I mean, seriously?! Gramma Donna’s beauty, reminiscent of my Gramma Dolores in Zamboanga, my mother, & Auntie Lori shines down on me & warms my heart. Good times!
Auntie Lori and Uncle Eric, I’m sending some San Diego sunshine your way! In one evening, I’ve learned a lot about my family from Seattle. Family’s forever. Hope to see you guys in Forks and/or La Push soon… Grandma sounds amazing! By the way, I am Sunshine’s daughter… Mahal ko kayo!
Dear Lori and Eric,
I am truly sorry for your lost. Your mother was a beautiful person and the sharing of her life showed me that she was a very courageous person as well as a loving person. Your Mother and Father lived a long life together and now they will be together forever once again. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
God Bless you. Your Friend Donna
My deepest sympathies at this time of loss. Donna will be missed by a great number of people who’s lives she touched either first or thru her daughter.
Lori and Eric,
Your mom, your dad, and both of you have always been a part of my life from the beginning of my earliest memories. I will always remember her as the sweet, kind, caring Auntie who always greeted me with a warm smile and gentle hug. I am so very happy that Mychal, Benjamin, and Erewyn were blessed with also knowing her. Thank you for sharing the story of your mother’s life with all of us. Auntie is in our prayers and will always be in our hearts. We love you!
Dear Lori, It was so sad to learn of your Mom’s passing. I never had the honor of meeting her, but I think I did in a way by knowing you. God Bless you and Eric and your whole family during this sad time. Eric
My aunt left Zamboanga, the southernmost tip of Mindanao in 1946.I did not have a chance to know her when i was young. All I knew was her name is Donna who is my aunt, and living in Seattle, Washington.I knew that she is the fifth child in the family. She came next to my deceased father. In 1973, she came to visit my family in San Francisco. They drove all the long way from Seattle to San Francisco just to see me.. I was touched..I was so happy to see her. The one day bonding that we had, seems years of knowing her. She is nice and very soft spoken. She has that smile on her face that I will never forget. The short memories that we had in 1973 will always be cherished. Her presence might be gone, but her memories will always stay in our heart. Thank you Auntie for the short memories..I know you will be in the good hands of our lord. God Bless…..
Condonlence
Lori, I am sorry for the loss of your mother. My prayers are with you and Eric.
we would like to expressed our deepest condolences from the bereaved family of the late Donna Bastes Lazo, from all of us here in Zamboanga City Family… lola is now together with our creator….
In behalf of my mother Dolores Bastes Nicolas we would like to extend our deepest condolence to Lori & Eric. Auntie Donna is at Peace with the Lord now Seen Mama learn that her sister is alive for only 4 days. Our prayer and Love for auntie Donna.
Lori and Eric, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Your mother had a very interesting life and you were blessed to have her for so long. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Dear Lori and Eric. Please except my sincere sympathy. I did not know Donna’s history before. My mom was born in 1921,and both of her brothers were in WWII but in the European Theater. I told Eric I was going to visit her at the Nursing Home, and bring my Basset Buckley. I wish that I could have seen her smile when she saw Buckleys droopy ears! God Bless you both in this trying time. I know you will have the strength to perservere and know that Donna is not suffering, but has reached a greater place where she will meet with her husband and family again. Again my deepest sympathy for your loss. David Norris, Seattle
Lori and Eric,
We loved reading about your Mother’s life and strength. Dee and I remember meeting her at one of your fabulous Christmas Eve parties. She was beautiful and regal. We are thinking about you and sending you both our love.
This may sound silly, but I’ll not only miss “mom”, but memories of a huge Italian prune tree, gold mustang, and the best roast turkey will always remind me of her. Christmas won’t be the same, but she’ll be there, as always . . . love you guys!
Lori and Eric,
A very beautiful story for the obituary. And a lovely picture of your mother. Again, my deepest condolences.
Sandy
I had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Lazo through her daughter and my adopted sister Lori at Lori and Eric’s infamous Christmas Parties. My impression of her was that she was soft spoken, sweet natured, and kind. Lori often joked with her mom that I was her “boyfriend”, because she immediately accepted and embraced me as a member of her extended family, and would ask about my well being throughout the year. I was touched by her kind concern because it is rare in this life to meet people who display such a caring heart and form an instant and lasting attachment. Although I hadn’t seen her in the last few years of her life, I feel blessed to have such an incredibly kind lady extend her warm embrace to me. I shall miss her dearly. May God now embrace her fully in his arms.
Your lovely written remembrance of your Mother brought tears to my eyes. Mrs. Lazo led a wonderful, rich life. I’m sure you will miss her very much.
I’m sorry for your loss.
Lori & Eric, You were truly blessed to have your mother and father with you in their later years. God be with you at your time of sorrow. Love & prayers,
Dear Lori & Eric,
I’m so sorry for the loss of your dearest Mom Donna. While I did not have the opportunity to have fellowship with her, I am certain that it would have been a great & heartwarming one. The brief write-up about her struggles, commitment and courage inspire me a lot.
Thank you both for taking care of her at the time she needed it most. I really admire your sincere concern and patience, as shared by Lori, during these recent past years. You’re such a loving couple and children to Mom Donna.
I hope to join you in one of the services Sept 30 or Oct 1.
My heartfelt prayers to you & the rest of the family,
Your family is on my heart and in my prayers.
Dear Lori and Eric,
I will miss Donna Bastes Lazo. Your Mother
was a wonderful, giving, strong woman.
Gregory Francis
Sis and Bro,
Just can not believe mom has moved on to the next level. I, we all, miss her very very much and will carry her in our hearts until our last breathes. She loved me like her own, and always made sure I had a belly full of rice when ever I was in her home. I will so miss our lunch time out after doctor appointments and her painfull monthly EPO shots to keep her kidneys working well. She loved her tempura prawns, which will remind me of her every time I order them.
She loved pink, birds, flowers, and her beloved kitty, Pinkie, who was her companion for the last 13 years.
MOM LAZO, I am happy to know that you are finally out of pain and in peace together with Dad Lazo, and your mother who alway seems to come and visit you.
MOM LAZO, I LOVE YOU SO; AND MISS YOU DEEP DOWN IN MY HEART WHICH IS SO BROKEN AT THIS MOMENT.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of sorrow. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to know a little of her life. I see that she was a strong, loved and honored woman.
I’m very sorry to Hear about her passing. I meet her a couple of times and she was very nice person. My prayers to you and her.
Dear Lori and Eric,
Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your Mother.
Sincerely,
Murl Allen Sanders
Dear Lori,
A lovely remembrance of your mother. My thoughts and condolences are with you every day.
Pam