Marina Ella Abelgas

On November 17, 2014, the spirit of Marina “Mina” Abelgas was freed from her body. The past two years she endured the indescribable physical agony of pancreatic cancer. As it is a diagnosis that typically takes life away within a just few months, Mina surpassed every doctor's expectation largely due to her incredible willpower. Throughout her suffering she still kept a smile on her face and maintained that sense of grace and elegance she was known for. Her entire life had been an adventure- she was born and raised in Lucena, Philippines with her seven sisters and brother, and then lived the city life in Manila where she met her Navy sailor Willie. Her destiny was to venture across the sea to San Diego, California, where she would start her family and become a loving, dedicated and selfless mother to her only son and daughter Emmanuel and Tracy. She possessed a strong work ethic, working in the field of banking for most of her life. Many knew her as a loyal friend, fervent believer of the Lord and ultimate chocolate lover/sweet tooth. All in all, she was the most herself in the presence of family where her laugh was known to echo down the halls. Her life was an adventure, however now she is onto another journey. Her true home is in Heaven with the Lord where she is at peace in a new, glorified body. She will continue to be adored and missed by so many and through this love, her spirit will remain to be kept alive in all of us. We'll be seeing you, Queen. Mahal ka namin.