Laurencia A. Abad

Laurencia A. Abad, 97, born on December 20, 1920, in Tayug, Pangasinan, Philippines, passed away on November 27, 2018 at her home in Los Angeles, California.

Red was Laurencia's favorite color—it matched her zest for life, the intensity of her Christian faith, and her love for her extended family. She was courageous. During the WWII Japanese occupation of the Philippines she transported messages, supplies, and food to the guerrillas in her hometown: she was interrogated by the Japanese, but bluffed her way and she was released. She was the antithesis of the Tokyo Rose because this "Tayug Rose" conducted dangerous, covert activities in support of guerrilla and allied forces. She exhibited the same determination throughout her life—approaching life's challenges with grit, good humor, and a fatalistic acceptance of things that could not be changed. She battled metastatic breast cancer for 10 years without complaint, always reassuring the family that she was "fine" and that there was "nothing to complain about." Her favorite exhortation to us was "Have fun while you can."

Laurencia was a poet. She had won a poetry contest at Far Eastern University in 1958. In February 2005, to an audience of 1800 members of the International Society of Poets Spring Symposium held in Orlando Florida, she recited a poem entitled "To Our Brave Soldiers," a poem she had composed following the fall of Bataan in April 1942.

Mom was gifted with a beautiful soprano voice and although she had no formal training, she would play the piano while she sang. She composed a few songs, including a lovely song that she composed and dedicated to Dad at his funeral in 2008.

Laurencia believed strongly in higher education. She had a Bachelor of Science with a major in English from Far Eastern University and a Master of Arts with a major in administration from University of Manila. Although she did not practice law, Laurencia had a Bachelor of Laws degree from Far Eastern University. Laurencia was an English teacher at Arellano High School and a journalism teacher and school paper advisor of the "Blue and White" at Ramon Magsaysay High School in Manila, Philippines. She was loved by her many students who called her "Mommy" and who treasured her advice. She received a Plaque of Merit for being the subject of "My Favorite Teacher", a national essay contest in the Philippines. Laurencia also served as President of a high school faculty club with about 500 members and was President of the Manila Secondary School Paper Advisers and Journalism Teachers Association.

When she moved to the US in the early 70's she was initially employed as a clerk-typist. She then became the first Filipino Office Services supervisor in the LA Office of the Department of Justice. She subsequently advanced to Legal Assistant. Her legal background and writing skills were put to use as she researched cases, proof-read and edited legal briefs written by her supervisor, an Assistant District Attorney.

She had a big heart and a generous spirit that embraced everyone she knew. To her extended family, she was a surrogate mother, grandmother, and a beloved auntie. We treasure the times we had with her, our memories of her, the legacy of love, and her profile of courage.

Farewell Laurencia. We thank you and we love you too. Your memory will be etched in our minds and hearts. Go forth into the light of God. Join the flame of hope and eternal redemption. Amen.

We celebrate her life with memorial services at Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills, California on December 20, 2018. Viewing is from 9-11 am and Chapel service is at 12:30 pm, followed by burial proceedings and a Birthday-Celebration of Life lunch at Gourmet 88 in Burbank, CA at 3 pm.