Lourdes Manansala Ruiz

Lourdes Manansala Ruiz joined our Lord in Heaven on January 25, 2013, at the age of 78. Beloved wife of 53 years to Justo Torres Ruiz. Matriarch of her large and loving family of siblings: Felicitas, Natividad, Benjamin, Alberto, Emmanuel, Edeliza, Alicia, and all their families from the Philippines to the United States to Canada. Loving mother of Jeddy M. Ruiz (Rosie), Therese R. Ritchie (David), Divinagrace R. Koonce (Robert), Paul Lawrence and Gisel Pineda. Devoted grandmother to 11 grandchildren: Elizabeth, Marygrace, Gabrielle, Felicia, Joseph Carlos, John Zachary, Joshua, Anthony, Chiara, Francesca, and Rafael. Lourdes was married to her junior high school sweetheart from her birthplace of Pampanga, Philippines. They paved the family’s path to America shortly after they both graduated from Harvardian University – she in education, and he in accounting. She was a brave and courageous Navy wife to her husband while raising their three children and helping countless family members and friends immigrate to and integrate into America. She worked at Sacred Heart Hospital and the Haven of Our Lady of Peace in the 1980s. She was a member of the Filipino-American Association, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, was active with the Adoration volunteer program and various church-affiliated programs. She was a true example of God’s love with her daily devotions. Her faith, her hope, and her love shined through in everything she did for her family and for others. Her house was filled with music, as she loved to sing and play the piano with talent and joy. Family was her greatest treasure. She captured years and years’ worth of memories in photos. She was present for major milestones of her grandchildren, from their birth, dance recitals, sporting events, birthday parties, academic events, and even childhood doctor’s appointments. “Mama,” “Lola,” and “Grandma” was often there. She always knew what the kids wanted and always came through. She rewarded everyone a life legacy for generations to come. Always loving and faithful, she will live on through her family. Preceded in death by her parents: Zacarias C. Manansala, Felicisima S. Manansala, Candelaria T. Manansala, along with her dear daughter-in-law Rosita F. Ruiz. Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate her life and legacy. Visitation will be held at Faith Chapel Funeral Home at 100 Beverly Parkway Pensacola, Florida 32505 on Thursday, January 31, 2013 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church 401 Van Pelt Lane Pensacola, Florida 32505 on Friday, February 1, 2013 at 10:00 a.m.; a procession will follow to Barrancas National Cemetery. A reception of thanks will take place in St. Mary’s Parish Hall after the cemetery service. FAITH CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME SOUTH is in charge of arrangements. You may express your condolences online at www.fcfhs.com.

Tributes

Lourdes Manansala Ruiz

June 6, 1934 - January 25, 2013