| Location | Chula Vista, California |
| Age | 46 years |
| Cause of Death | Cancer |
| Date of Birth | 04/11/1962 |
| Date of Death | 26/01/2009 |
| Visitors | 3,879 since 31/01/2009 |
| Creator |
My dearly beloved sister Maria Elena, Ellen or most commonly called Missy left us all heart-broken in Monday morning of 26th of January, 2009, on our Father's 69th birthday. At the age of 46, she had more than enough accomplishments in life.
Missy is eleven years my senior. Among all my brothers and sisters, she's the only one who took good care of me during my growing-up years. I never had bad memories with her because we never argue or fight or hurt someone else's feelings. We always agree on same things and I should say, we really clicked together. She used to bring me anywhere she may want to take me. My first goodbye with her was when she left for U.S. (we're living in the Philippines) and married my now brother-in-law Kuya Rollie. I was 15 years old then (around 1988), and it's really painful for me 'cause I felt I was left all alone... But because I saw her happy, especially when her only son Michael (Myckee) was born, I get used to our long distance sister-relationship. I just keep on longing for the day that she will visit us back home. Her first visit with us with my nephew after she left for U.S. was on 1994. My happiness cannot contain seeing her again, now with a little gorgeous angel, Michael Marion. That few days spent with us rekindle all our happy memories of childhood. Our songs, poems and punch lines... And then another goodbye.... After 10 years, she had a surprise visit with us which really surprised me that I broke down in tears... because I really had no clue that they were coming home.... And I can't believe seeing her right before my eyes with my nephew who's then on his teen years. Then another goodbye... Then visited again after two years.... Always goodbyes and hellos. Sad-Happy moments of my life. But her last visit to me happened just two months ago, while I am here in U.K.,another happy-sad moment for me. Happy because finally I'd seen her again, sad because I know, she already is terminally-ill with cancer. That it "might" be her last visit to me. I still can't face that fact that she is sick. A strong-willed woman with lots of accomplishments in life now battling with stage 4 cancer. With her 18-days visit here with my mom. We tried so much to have fun. We went all around London, Wales and other part of England. We spent her 46th birthday in London. And my 35th birthday in Wales. How happy I am with the Queens of my life... Missy and my mom. When they're about to go back to U.S., while we're on the airport, my tears broke down because my heart is torn apart that very moment as I hugged her tightly and kissed her telling her how much I love her. I keep on praying to God that please... don't let this be the last time... After they left, I tried every single day to call her, to check on her, to tell her I love her, just to hear her voice telling me that she loves me too, and before we put down the phone, she used to tell me, "Meme na, bunso" (sleep tight, my youngest one). God knows how much pain it caused me, when each day, I can see the gradual change in her health status. In just two months, she gave in... All her pains I can still feel in my heart. But I know God has plans... Why she had to go ahead of us... I know I can still see her someday... not here... but in a much better place..... all I want to tell her is.... I love you, Missy... from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for all the wonderful memories. You are a great loss and you will surely be missed...
Your sister 'til eternity,
- Mabelle (Belinda)
This song, I dedicate to you...
“Tears in Heaven”
Would you know my name
If I saw you in heaven?
Would you feel the same
If I saw you in heaven?
I must be strong and carry on
‘Cause I know I don’t belong here in heaven......
Would you hold my hand
If I saw you in heaven?
Would you help me stand
If I saw you in heaven?
I’ll find my way through night and day
‘Cause I know I just can’t stay here in heaven......
Time can bring you down, Time can bend your knees
Time can break your heart have you begging please
Beyond the door there’s peace I’m sure
And I’ll know there’ll be no more tears in heaven
Would you know my name
If I saw you in heaven?
Would you feel the same
If I saw you in heaven?
I must be strong and carry on
‘Cause I know I don’t belong here in heaven......
♥ღ♥ I Believe ♥ღ♥
I believe that the sun shines after the rain
I believe if you don't get hurt you'll never gain
I believe in not doing things the easy way
I believe that being selfish doesn’t pay
♥ღ♥
I believe in a second chance
I believe in a life long romance
I believe there is life after death
And standing up to a life of mess
♥ღ♥
I believe in love at first sight
I believe that revenge isn’t right
I believe that first impressions last
And there is nothing better then a good laugh
♥ღ♥
I believe that dreams do come true
I believe there's destiny for me and you
I believe that good things come to those who wait
I believe love never arrives too late
♥ღ♥
I believe something good comes from something bad
I believe that for tears of happiness there are tears of sad
I believe everyone has a guardian angel
And the good you do will be rewarded well
♥ღ♥
I believe sometimes there is no explanation
I believe money can't buy people's affection
I believe you don't know what you've got until it's gone
I believe a new day arrives with every dawn
♥ღ♥
I believe a smile can be contagious
I believe in being very outrageous
I believe in living with no regrets
I believe that life is as good as it gets
♥ღ♥
I believe that God watches over us
I believe the little things are worth the fuss
I believe you have each friend for a reason
I believe you will get punished for treason
♥ღ♥
I believe that what comes first is family
I believe we should all live in harmony
I believe in making the most of a beautiful day
And it's not the end until everything's okay
♥ღ♥
I believe absence makes the heart grow fonder
I believe you will lose if you sit and wonder
I believe every experience teaches you a lesson
And nothing cures better then a drinking session
♥ღ♥
I believe everyone has one true love
I believe sometimes we need a little shove
I believe the whole world is a stage
I believe we only get better with age
♥ღ♥
I believe that to learn you have to live
I believe that to love someone you have to give
I believe one moment can change your life
And there's still help when you’re in strife
♥ღ♥
I believe everyone has one true friend
I believe love helps a broken heart mend
I believe in the power of a song
And things will change before too long
♥ღ♥
I believe living is the best experience
I believe in not laughing at other people’s expense
I believe it’s hard to watch a lover leave
And when they’re gone all you can do is breath
♥ღ♥
I believe to always look on the bright side
I believe that life is just one big ride
I believe when I die people will grieve
But it’s ok because I believe…
Unknown
Eulogy of Missy's bestfriend Myra Lopez
EULOGY
Maria Elena Mateo Martinez (known as Missy) has lived and practiced a full Catholic Christian life serving the Lord and serving her fellowmen. Her unselfish ways and wholehearted care for her family and friends were testimonies of doing all what the Lord has taught His children.
She was raised by her family in Catholic faith and with six children by her parents Mr.& Mrs. Renato Mateo, all of them attended catholic schools. She attended High School at the University of Santo Tomas or UST in Manila, Philippines. She earned her Bachelor Degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Management at the same University in 1988. She was an active member of the school organization PAX ROMANA. During her school years, in spite of the constant episodes of her illness asthma, she was able to participate in school activities and plays, finish her studies, and at the same time serve the Lord. She was also active member of Red Cross doing fund raising and with her community service and charm she was crowned as Miss Red Cross of Manila Chapter in 1982.
As a devout Catholic, Missy regularly attended Sunday masses and all Holidays of obligations. She had also been altar server on some of the Sunday masses.
Missy was married to Rolando Martinez who is also a Catholic. They were gifted with a very fine son, Michael, who went to this s school St. Rose of Lima School from Kindergarten to 8th Grade or Middle School. As parent, Missy was active in parent activities for her son and she was an active member of the Filipino American Association of St. Rose of Lima. Together with her mother, Mrs. Belen Mateo, they helped and volunteered in every fundraising and selling of foods in one of booths during the church fair. Missy also participated in the Mama Dee Gala held in the past years.
Missy was also very active in the community for various community services and fundraising for benefits. She was an active member of the Pangasinan Association and was crowned as Mrs. Pangasinan representing 36 towns in Pangasinan, Philippines. She was a member of the Council of Pilipino American Organization (COPAO). She was also participating in Capasenan Association of San Diego County activities for fundraising and volunteer works. She was the Treasurer of President’s Lions Club, formerly Princess Urduja Lion’s Club. They raise funds to benefit different services in different parts of the nation and worldwide such as the medical missions. She was active in various Blood Drive movements.
Missy was an icon as she was well respected and known for her generosity and sincere services. She has followed God’s teachings and lived with the purpose in life in serving the Lord and services to fellow mankind; unfaltering, unwavering and would even sacrifice herself for the good of her family, friends and the community she served.
Missy was granted by the Lord, of wisdom, energy and time to do all those that will exalt the Lord and time has come that the Lord said unto her precious child, she has done her mission and it was time for her to go, to join Him in thy Kingdom.
Personal Testimony of Aurora Soriano-Cudal - Part 2
.... continuation
I was among the last one to say goodbye to Missy. She hugged me tightly and whispered a word of thanks for being there for her. Then she said, "Ate, may pasalubong ako sa'yo". I was deeply touched. Here is a friend who in the midst of pain and suffering could still remember to give you a gift! I kept this poignant moment in my heart as I prayed for God's healing hands to touch Missy. I believe in miracles.
Last Saturday afternoon (January 22), Pressy Garrovillas, Myrna Lopez and I went to visit Missy at Kaiser (Zion). We tried to talk with her but she was no longer responding. We held her hands and whispered to her, "We love you Missy." Then last Monday afternoon (Jan. 26) I received a phone call from Belen, "Ate, Missy passed away this morning."
We will surely miss our Mrs. Pangasinan, our Mrs. Friendship, our community volunteer, our friend - Maria Elena "Missy" Mateo Martinez. We will miss her warm and gentle smile; her caring heart and her helping hands. God has taken her into His bosom, I believe, with these words, "Come Missy, I will give you rest. Enter into the mansion that I have prepared for you." And to Missy's family God says, "Let not your heart be troubled. Missy is now with me. She will no longer feel pain and sorrow. She is free from all worldly cares."
Let's celebrate the life of Missy. She is truly one of a kind. A good friend to many of us, a devoted mother to Michael, a good wife to Roland and a loving daughter to Belen and Renato. We will cherish all those fond memories that Missy left behind. Goodbye, Missy. We will see you in the morning!
Personal Testimony of Aurora Soriano-Cudal - Part 1
This is published at The Filipino Press Jan. 31-Feb. 6, 2009 issue, in Spiritual Life section
GOODBYE, MISSY
CHULA VISTA, Calif.- I picked up a flyer being distributed by the San Diego Blood Bank at the Philippine Festival and Fair held in Mira Mesa last year and I was surprised to find the picture of Missy Martinez on it. Missy was COPAO's Mrs. Friendship in 2008. I thought she was only invited to promote a good cause-to generate community support and participation of Filipino Americans as blood donors.
When I saw Missy later on as a volunteer usher during the Kalusugan Community Services-sponsored "A Walk on the Clouds" Concert of the Kabayao Family at the USD Student Center, I asked her how she got involved with the San Diego Blood Bank. I was shocked when she said that she was frequent beneficiary as a patient suffering from cancer. I've known Missy as an active community volunteer but I never knew that she was a cancer survivor. She said, "This is just my small way of giving back and helping those who might need blood transfusion."
Missy was pretty, warm and gracious in her ways. She was very generous with her time as she volunteered to help others in their community projects. She never talked about her lingering ailment or used it as an excuse for not fulfilling some of her community commitments.
I often see Missy with her mother, Belen, attend various community events. They were a two-some as volunteers. Her Mom was also a Philippine Faire Mrs. Friendship. As the former Mrs. Pangasinan and as a member of the Princess Urduja Lions Club, Missy personified the Lion's slogan, "We Serve". Last December, Missy joined Pressy Garrovillas and other San Diego Majestic Lions Club members in their Christmas caroling. She projected courage and strength as she went around with friends to sing Christmas carols and to raise funds for the Lions Club's community projects. Late last year, Missy and her Mom went to visit her sister in London. Her visit was cut short by a recurrence of her disease.
The Pangasinan Association gave Missy a surprise party in late December at the COPAO Center. That was her last appearance in public. Friends came to wish her well and to pray for her. Missy smiled and hugged her guests who were all teary-eyed but were so embarrassed to cry. Missy was comforting and reassuring them of God's love for her children. "God will take care of me".
.... continuation on Part 2
from a friend x
x Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ~♥x♥~ 27th FEB 2009 Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ~♥x♥~
. Send this to all of your friends, If you get 7 back you are LOVED
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......... , . - . - , _ , ....... Even though there is great
......... ) ` - . .> ' `( ....... sadness over losing you
........ / . . . .`.. . . .. ........ there is joy in knowing that
........ |. . . . . |. . .| ......... you continue to enrich our
......... .. . . . ./ . ./ ........... lives even though you are no
........... `=(.. /.=` ........... longer physically with us this
............. `-;`.-' ............. rose is for you may it serve as
............... `)| ... , ......... a reminder of the beauty you
................. || _.-'| ..........brought into our lives ?
............. , _|| .._, / .........
....... , ..... ..|| .' ..............
.... |.. |.. , . ||/ ...............
, ....` | /|., |Y.., ...........
... '-...'-._....| |/ ..............
........ >_.-`Y| ...............
............. , _|| ..............
............... ..|| ..............
................. || ..............
................. || ...LOVE...........
................. |/ .ALWAYS .............
God saw you getting tired
And a cure was not to be,
So He put His arms around you
And whispered 'Come with Me.'
♰ ♥ ♰
Gone but never forgotten.
god bless xx
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$$$$$$$$$$$$… PEACEFULLY …$
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════╔══╗GONE BUT
════║══║NEVER FORGOTTEN
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+ . SOME. * + * * . + * .
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+ ..LOVE.. *
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