Obituary of Lolita Abellera Penaranda
Went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday April 21, 2021, Lolita passed away peacefully at the age of 76. She was born on December 29, 1944 in Aroroy Masbate, Philippines to Crisanto and Elisa Abellera. She was the beautiful bride of Eugenio Francisco Penaranda of 49 years. Lolita spent her career in the Philippines as a medical technologist, and then moved to Canada where she spent 25 years working with the Toronto Police Service.
Lolita is survived by her husband, Eugenio Francisco Penaranda of Toronto, Ontario, two daughters, Primrose Goss (Blair) of Coldwater, Ontario, and Arlene Harper of Naples, Florida. Lolita is survived by her sister, Lilia Hawkins (Chris) and predeceased by brothers, Lino Abellera, Ricardo Abellera (Mary), and Alfredo Abellera (Vicki). Lolita had two grandchildren of whom she was very proud, Cameron and Malcolm Goss. She was also dearly loved by nephews and nieces, Norman Santican (Rhoda), predeceased by Merriam Ziwny (Michael), Timothy Abellera (Corinne), Stephen Abellera (Betty), John Abellera (Siew Ching), Sharon Hawkins and Danny Hawkins.
Lolita was a devout servant of Christ and was well known for her gift of singing in the church choir at Forward Baptist Church. Her church family and service also extended to Grace Point Church and Glencairn Baptist Church. Lolita was a dedicated teacher of the Scriptures, and prayer warrior. She made sure to phone just about everyone she knew. Lolita will always be remembered for her giving spirit, grace, tenacity, wisdom and was unashamed to share the Gospel. She shared her infectious laughter with her loving husband, Eugenio, in their home which was always filled with love. Those who visited always walked away with a ton of leftovers, residual karaoke song lyrics, bible verses, and stories about her children or her own childhood stories. Her relentless kindness will be remembered by many.
A private graveside service will be held for immediate family members on Tuesday April 27th at St. George’s Anglican Church Cemetery, Fairvalley. Her children will plan a Celebration of Life once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to help support camper scholarships at InterVarsity Pioneer Camp Ontario and may be made through the funeral home.
