Obituary of Apolonia Adolfo DICANG

April 18, 1920 – Ormoc City, Leyte, Philippines
January 17, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Our beloved Apolonia Adolfo Dicang passed away peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by her loving family in Calgary, Alberta, on the late evening of Friday, January 17, 2020. She was 99 years old - only three months shy of her 100th birthday.

Apolonia was born in Ormoc City, in the province of Leyte, Philippines, on April 18, 1920, the sixth of seven children of Catalino and Rosenda Adolfo. She was raised in the Roman Catholic faith which led her to actively serve in the church and live a devoted religious life. In 1945, she met Felimon Adquilen Dicang, a U.S. Coast Guard, who returned to the Philippines with General McArthur during WWII. They married a year later and eventually had five daughters and one son. Tragedy struck when she became widowed in 1963, leaving her as the sole caregiver of her young family.

She immigrated to Calgary, Alberta, Canada, in 1990 to care for her grandchildren and it became the start of a new chapter in her life that would last for thirty years. Over the decades, her mental and physical strength were tested many times, including surviving breast cancer at the age of 81, and overcoming various ailments near the end of her years. She was known for her fighting spirit, even during the last moments of her life.

Apolonia was a strong and faithful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother and will always be remembered with love by her children Maura, Teresita, Jose, Maria (Nestor), Ana (Bassam), and Fresca. She will also be mourned by her grandchildren, Ethelbert II, Jesus, Johnny, Jacqueline, Marne, Younes, Maria, and Erika; as well as her fourteen great-grandchildren. Apolonia was predeceased by her husband, Felimon; her parents; all six of her siblings; sons-in-law, Garde and Bert; and grandson Julius.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB) on Friday, January 24, 2020 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Luke’s Catholic Church (Corner of Northmount Drive & Northland Drive N.W., Calgary, AB) on Saturday, January 25, 2020 at 11:00 a.m.  Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery. The family invites all relatives and friends to join them for a reception to celebrate Apolonia’s life, immediately following the Graveside Service. Details to be announced after the Mass. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Apolonia’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Apolonia’s physician, Dr. Lauf, and the staff of the Bethany Care Centre for their care and service over the years.

A tree will be planted in living memory of Apolonia Dicang. McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE NW, CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3,   Telephone: 403-241-0044.