Maria Ambegia De Leon
June 1, 1943 - January 13, 2019
Obituary
MARIA AMBEGIA DE LEON, age 75, passed away Sunday, January 13, 2019 at Auburn, Washington. Maria was born June 1, 1943 in Malasiqui, Pangasinan Philippines to Ambrosio and Rufina Ambegia. She married Marcelino de Leon on January 27, 1974, and raised one daughter, Junnette de Leon-Aboy. She was a graduate of Agno Valley College High School and received her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Pangasinan State University, Philippines.
She spent many years teaching in various public schools, Biba Elementary School being the last before she retired. She spent her time taking care and watching over her grandkids before they left for the USA in 2013. She also joined various religious groups and organizations, such as the Divine Mercy, St. Joseph, Prayer Warriors, and the Malasiqui Senior Citizen Association, in which she took active participation in by being a member and an officer.
Zena, as she was fondly called, loved socializing with everyone, even with people whom she just met. She was the type of person that you could count on in times of trouble and would even get out of her way and sometimes even beyond her means just to be able to help those who are in need.
Maria first came to the USA as a tourist in October 2014 and June 2016, and finally as a resident on October 5th 2018. She was able to spend quality time with her family and friends and was also able to visit some of them in California, San Diego, Las Vegas, Oregon, Washington, and Canada. She fought hard and remained strong willed despite all the physical trials she’s been through, but finally came to rest to be with our Almighty Lord. The family extends their warmest thanks to ALL of those who cared for her in the Philippines and in the US. It is painful to accept that Maria left us unexpectedly, but also comforting to know that she is in a better place now with no pain and suffering.
Maria was survived by four brothers (Isidro, Cipriano, Ernesto & Joe), three sisters (Juanita, Erlinda & Elsa), her husband (Mar), her daughter and her son-in-law (Junnette and Franclind), three granddaughters (Audrey, Francine and Sam), two foster sons (Joel and Petros), and a number of fond nieces, nephews, other relatives, and close friends.
Her remains will be viewed on February 4 from 2-5pm at Bonney-Watson Federal Way, WA. There will be a rosary prayer on February 5 at 10:30 AM followed by an 11:00 AM mass at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Sumner,WA. The remains will be brought back to the funeral home for final viewing from 1pm-7pm before the cremation.
Dear Bae Zena,
First of all, thank you for everything, especially the love and care that you gave to me. The laughter, jokes and teachings, I will never ever forget. Your memories will be here forever in our hearts. I love you Bae, we love you so much.
Condolence to the whole family
Dear Auntie Zena,
I was shocked by the sad news that you are gone. You were always been a family to us (Del Rosario’s). Me and the rest of my family will never forget the beautiful memories we had of you in Malasiqui where we are neighbors. Thank you for being such a wonderful person to us…we will never forget you. May you find peace and love in our Lord Jesus kingdom….you will always remain in our hearts…may your soul rest in peace…
My sincere condolences to the rest of the family….
Nanay Maria, thank you for the frienship, & for your concern & sweet company. You greatly reminded me of my dearly missed lola. Glad to have known you. Rest peacefully now with The Creator. You will always be remembered as a friendly, smiling face. we love you & will miss you.
Sincere condolences to tatay, ms junnette & the rest of the family, relatives & friends.
Dear nanay Zena,
Naaalala ko pa po nung mga bata pa kami nila Freud, Felo, at Jaja na lagi kaming nasa bahay ninyo at nanggugulo. Kalaro pa namin noon si Ayel at madalas niyo po kami pameryendahin. Nagpapasalamat po ako sa alaga ninyo at ni tatay Mar sa amin. Mamimiss po namin kayo nay. Sayang di po namin kayo nakita sa huling pagkakataon. Rest in peace po.
Mama Zena,
The hardest part for me right now is the fact that we won’t see each other again. Ma saying “Thank you” is not enough for all the many things you’ve done for me, I’m grateful and blessed that you’ve been part of my life. You and papa Mar are one of the many reasons of what I am today. I’ll never forget those amazing memories we had together, so thankful for all the times that you were there for me, especially on my worst and weakest days. Mama zena Balbaleg ya salamat for the love, guidance, care and support. Your memories will remain in us forever. I love you and I miss you mama.
May your soul rest in peace.
Our condolences to the family.
Zena, you will be greatly missed.