Our beloved Nanay passed away on September 24, 2021.

She is joining her husband, Julio Jimenez, in heaven along with her oldest daughter, Mercy.

She is survived by her remaining children – Yolly (Tony), Rey (Minda), Carol (Ed - Deceased), Elvie (George), Del (Boy), Eddie (Loida), Sue (Rene) and Lori.

Nanay also has 20 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Nanay was born in the city of General Trias, Cavite, Philippines on February 12, 1928.

In 1945, Nanay met and fell in love with a handsome, young military man who was stationed nearby.

After a short courtship, Nanay and Tatay Julio married in 1946 and they celebrated the birth of the first daughter, Mercedes “Mercy”, that same year.

It’s unclear how they decided to name all of their children using all the letters in MERCEDES, but that’s what they did!

In 1947, they were blessed with their second daughter, Eulinia “Yolly”. In 1949, they were overjoyed with the birth of their oldest son, Reynaldo “Rey”. In 1950, their third daughter, Carolina “Nene” was born.

In 1952, they welcomed their fourth daughter Elvira “Elvie”.

In 1953, their 5th daughter, Delia “Del” was born. After 6 kids, they took a break.

Then in 1960, they welcomed their second son, Eduardo “Eddie”. In 1962, Susan “Sue” was born.

And just when they thought they were done, Lori was born in 1970, and her name began with the letter L because she was the last!

That’s 9 children in a 24 year span, living in a one story house with no bedrooms! Nanay was still having kids after her oldest daughter already had 3 of her own. Sadly in 1983, Tatay Julio passed away, leaving Nanay a widow at 55 years old.

At this point, five of her children had already immigrated to Canada. Nanay arrived in Canada in the fall of 1984.

Nanay was a devout Catholic and attended mass every week at Holy Family Parish in Whitby. She also attended yearly pilgrimages to Our Lady of Fatima Shrine in NY and the Martyrs’ Shrine in Midland, ON.

She was a member of the Fil-Ontario Seminary Scholarship Society Inc. and was present at all of their meetings and events.

Nanay spent her last day enjoying her happy place.

She passed away suddenly in a hospital in Barrie.

Visitation will be held at the DeStefano Funeral Home, Oshawa, on Tuesday September 28th and Wednesday September 29th. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Held on Thursday September 30th at 10:30am at Holy Family Parish in Whitby. Interment will follow at MOUNT LAWN CEMETERY .

Memorial Donations may be made in Nanay’s name to the Fil-Ontario Seminary Scholarship Society Inc.