Obituary of Mrs. Loreta (Lily) Blauta Empredo Gamana

Lily, a woman of faith, beloved wife, mom, ‘Lola’, 83 years young, passed away peacefully at home Sunday afternoon, June 9, 2019, after a courageous battle with Parkinson's disease.

A strong, intelligent, helpful, generous, humble and kind woman with a beautiful soul. Lily was born July 30,1935 in Anahawan, Southern Leyte, Philippines, loving daughter to Jacinto and Rosenda Empredo. She was the beloved wife to Antonio Ando Gamana (deceased June 2012) for 52 years, and is loved and greatly missed by their children Grace, Angie, Jocyline, Audrey and Joel. She is also greatly loved and missed by her sons-in-law Gunther (Angie) Bassler, Kevin (Audrey) Carroll, and daughter-in-law May (Joel) Gamana. Ang kanyang mga apo, her grandkids, Mitchell, Jade, Cameron, Juliette and Owen will always love and remember their Lola! She is survived and loved by siblings Juanita, Amelita, Victoria and Ernesto, having been predeceased by siblings Alfredo, Dalmacio, Celso and Salome. Lily is also fondly remembered by numerous nephews, nieces and extended family here and abroad.

Lily and Tony immigrated to Canada in 1975 and quickly established themselves. Lily, a high school teacher in Manila, and always willing to help, became an active member of St. Stephen's Presbyterian Church in Scarborough, taking on Sunday School teaching duties there for many years. She was the keeper of family memories, the original scrapbooker. Lily was a special-occasion cake enthusiast, baking and creating memorable cakes for friends and loved ones. Her working career ended at a seniors’ care home, as she moved on to full-time Lola, a position she relished as she doted on her grandkids.  This also allowed her more time for another passion -- Lily was an avid gardener and nurturing her green thumb came perhaps second only to nurturing her family.

Mom, Lola Lily will be forever loved, remembered and missed by all family and friends who knew her.

There will be a special church Memorial Service for Lily at St. Stephen’s Presbyterian Church in Scarborough (3817 Lawrence Ave E, Scarborough, ON M1G 1R2) at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 22nd.  

There will be a ‘Celebration of Life’ for Lily at Christ the King Cemetery (7770 Steeles Ave E, Markham, ON L6B 1A8 -- entrance off Reesor Rd.) at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 28th, interment at 11:30 a.m., followed by a reception.