Obituary of Amparo Cortez

It is with sadness and heavy hearts that our family announces the passing of our mom and grandma, Amparo Flores Cortez, on December 25, 2006 at the age of 70 years. Mom was born on February 9, 1936 in Mamburao, Occ., Mindoro, Philippines. She was the youngest child of seven children born to David and Isabelle Flores. Mom completed her education with a degree in Bachelors of Science in Commerce from the University of the East in Manila. In 1975, the family immigrated to Calgary and began a new life. After twenty-two years of service as a microfilm technician with International Datashare Corporation (formerly Riley’s Datashare Int.), Mom retired in 2002. Until she was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2005, her retirement years were spent with her grandchildren and traveling to Europe, California, Mexico, Toronto, and the Philippines. With her love for music and a gift for singing, she joined the Holy Trinity Church choir. She enjoyed the social gatherings with her fellow choir members and soon became a board member and active participant with the Young Once Seniors Association of Calgary. Mom often mentioned that her most precious treasures in her life were her children and grandchildren. Everything that Mom did in her life was meant for her family. She was always proud that she was a mom – she thought nothing else was more important. As she continued to fight this terrible disease, not once did she complain about suffering and continued on with being a mom and a grandma. She never missed an opportunity to be in the front row of her granddaughters dance competitions. Mom was predeceased by her parents, David and Isabelle, brother, Ben, sisters, Milagros, Hermina, and Luming, all of the Philippines. Left to mourn her loss and to carry forth her family traditions are her children, Florabelle (Carlito), Glenda, and Frederick (Alma) of Calgary; her granddaughters, Carleigh and Madisen will forever miss their Lola Ampy’s presence in the front row. Mom was also fond of her granddogs, Magnum and Monroe. Mom is also survived by her nieces, Ellen (Reuel) and their son, Bryant, of Calgary and Annaly of Edmonton. She will also be missed by her sisters, Liling and Salud; a sister-in-law, Fely, all in the Philippines; several nieces, nephews and other family members in the Philippines, California, and Toronto. We would like to thank the following: Baby, who unconditionally cared for our Mom (and the rest of the family) for the past sixteen months, Henriette with the Palliative Home Care Team whose weekly visits boosted Mom’s spirits, Dr. Do Thuan with the Tom Baker Cancer Clinic who gave Mom hope, the volunteer drivers with the Canadian Cancer Society who gave up their time to drive Mom to her treatments, Lourdes who came every week to offer communion as Mom’s faith grew, Ruth for sharing a very close friendship with Mom for forty-six years, and a special thanks to the wonderful staff at the Sarcee Hospice who cared for Mom’s last week of her life and for giving us one more chance to spend our traditional Christmas Eve celebration with Mom on her last night. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McInnis & Holloway’s Eastside Memorial Chapel (5388 Memorial Drive NE) today, December 29, 2006, from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., with prayers at 7:00 p.m. Funeral mass will be celebrated at Holy Trinity Catholic Church (1525 45 St. SE) today on December 30,2006, at 10:30 a.m. Graveside service to follow at Mountain View Memorial Gardens. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Alberta/NWT Chapter, #430, 1324 – 17 Avenue SW, Calgary, AB T2T 5S8 Telephone: (403) 209 – 2233. In living memory of Amparo Cortez a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Eastside Memorial Chapel, 5388 MEMORIAL DRIVE N.E. Telephone: (403) 248-8585.