Q: How would you describe Mrs. Florinda to someone who had never met them?
A: I had the honor of being Mrs. Florinda’s personal support worker for a short period of time, and during those precious days, I came to know a truly remarkable woman. Despite facing significant challenges and struggles in the final stage of her life, she remained incredibly kind, patient, and deeply understanding. Her thoughtful and considerate nature shone through even in the most difficult moments. What touched me the most was her unwavering grace, she continued to smile and express heartfelt gratitude, always saying “thank you for your service” even as she drew closer to her final breath. Mrs. Florinda’s strength and warmth left a lasting impression on me, and I feel grateful to have cared for her, even if only for a short while.
Joy
Q: How would you describe Mrs. Florinda to someone who had never met them?
A: My fondest memories growing up always included weekends spent at my Tita Linda's and Tito Ben's home in Las Pinas. She was always part of my biggest moments, such as birthdays, school activities and many special events. She also would prepare something special at their home, just to be able to simply celebrate it. She was more than an aunt. That's just who she was - so genuine and caring.
Before they left for Canada, she made sure to see us, check in on how we are doing and spend time with us. Tita always had this quiet and steady way of showing her love. We will miss her deeply, but will always remember her and the love she had for us.
Momsie, as we fondly called her, was a very warm, caring and loving person. She was a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She always put other people’s needs before hers. When we would go to their house, she and Popsie would go out of their way to make sure that we were comfortable. Our tummies were always full and we always had food to take home with us. Both of them were easy to talk to and we would exchange stories. Popsie would be his usual playful self, teasing Momsie and she, just laughing it all off. Theirs was a match made in heaven and one can tell how much they loved each other. Now, Momsie is reuniting with Popsie to continue their love story in heaven. Rest in peace, Momsie. We will miss you but we take comfort in knowing that you and Popsie are now together in that very happy place.
Tita Linda & Tito Ben were our very cherished Ninang and Ninong on our wedding. Although it’s the sole responsibility of the Catholic Church to elevate the deceased into sainthood it would be unfair not to mention very special traits that Tita Linda possesses which stood out and worth mentioning. We were always captivated by her very happy disposition - naturally smiling that springs from deep within a truly contented heart. Tita Linda displayed such outstanding spiritual traits very easily noticed at church by anybody paying close attention. There is such a certain degree of authenticity in her devotion in church that left an indelible mark that’s etched deeply in our minds and hearts forever. The way she clasps her hands in prayer, the surrendered kneeling position, the humble bowed head, the closed eyes in deep contemplation…I mean, you really can never ever fake authenticity no matter what. We indeed were touched by her genuine spiritual relationship with God.
The limits of this appropriated space wouldn’t be able to contain the numerous other outstanding traits that need to be mentioned.
We will not forget however to highlight her most beautiful, kind and gracious heart - her solicitude and love never stopped to amaze us.
We are convinced that you will have a place in God’s kingdom. Tito Ben will be there to welcome you. We hope and pray that we too will join you when our time comes.
May God and our Blessed Mother be your guide and comfort on your journey to the next state in life. Rest in Peace Tita Linda, you’ve always been near and dear to Jesus’ heart.
Prayerfully,
Boy & Bebing
My earliest memory of Florinda is when she married my favorite uncle, Benjamin Tarrosa. I was the flower girl at their wedding and I remember how beautiful she looked in her wedding gown. I also remember noticing that she had tears in her eyes during the ceremony. I suppose in my young years I didn't understand that it could also be happy tears. Tita Linda was not from the Visayas region where the Tarrosa family was from but she endeared herself in no time to the rest of the family for just being herself - a genuinely nice person - and learning a few Visayan words helped. Our visits to her hometown of Cavite were memorable to me because of the delicious oysters and wonderful hospitality of her family. Tita Linda was a loving and thoughtful aunt throughout my childhood and that love extended to my husband and children in my adult years.
Tita Linda, we will miss you so much but the memories we have of you will keep you alive in our hearts. Rest in eternal peace and in the loving embrace of our Creator.
One of my fondest memories of Tita Linda is that she's such a happy soul. I remember those times in Las Pinas, Manila, whenever we visit them, I would always notice the light twinkling in her eyes in welcome and she would gather us to a simple merrienda and lots of reminiscences to boot.Tita Linda has this kind of charisma and one of her most wonderful trait is her ever so sweet smile. Rest in Jesus' peace Tita. This is not the end. We will meet again someday. We love you and we cherish your memory,
Tita Linda is an epitome of the beautiful inside and out. She was a kind, generous and gentle lady.
Growing up in Manila, my fondest memories of Tita Linda (and Tito Ben, of course) were those special occasions, be it birthdays, Christmas or just their random visits to see how our family was doing. It was very thoughtful and caring of them to drop by on their way home from office just to see us and give those treasured gifts. In my young mind, I always thought of them as our Santa Claus and I have always loved them and learned to anticipate their company. During the last few decades or so, although we saw them occasionally when they visited Iloilo from Canada, the distance was bridged by those long phone calls from both of them. I would drop everything I was doing to spend time with them until the card load empties or one of them gets sleepy. I truly enjoyed those moments and will always relive to ease missing them. Now that the dreaded moment has come, there's a mixture of sadness and joy for me. The former, for the physical loss and the latter, for knowing they are finally home with our creator, free from pain and suffering. Tita Linda, until we meet again. Say hello to Tito Ben, we will always remember you both with affection and tenderness. Amy and children, siblings Emil, Marilyn and Cecil.
The family of Mrs. Florinda Tarrosa uploaded a photo
