Penafrancia Canlas Medina

Penafrancia Canlas Medina, 84, born on September 27, 1933 in Manila, Philippines to parents, Ciriaco Canlas and Gaudencia Atienza passed away January 3, 2018. She resided in Panorama City, California at the time of her passing. Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills, California.

Our mom ( we call her Nanay) is the best mother anyone could ever have in this world. She has unfailingly showed us her unconditional love no matter what our circumstance in life was and willingly sacrificed everything for us. She has unbelievable strength of spirit and a loving heart to always forgive no matter how much she has been hurt.

She displayed grace,resilience, courage and steadfast conviction in handling any life challenges.

She was always grateful to God and humble in her ways. She is a devoted Catholic mother who always goes to church on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, participated in Catechism and faithfully prays the rosary every night. She nurtured and nourished our spirit ever since we were young. She showered everyone with loving kindness and compassion no matter who you are or what you do.

She was always gracious with her time, energy and loving support to her children and the community. She always puts her childrens needs before her that she will at times miss her meal because she enjoys talking to us every time we call. She would patiently and lovingly listen and encourage when needed.

She has a beautiful delicate confidence , courage, resilience and perseverance that transcends any life challenge or difficulty.

Ever since I can remember, she will always make sure we are greatly taken cared of no matter what. Even sacrificed being away from us and manage our family business so we can be provided a very comfortable life. Every week, she will take time to buy the freshest selection of food, cook it and send it to us.

After she retired, she lived with each of her children to help raise their grandchildren.

Ultimately, she moved to Panorama View for Active Seniors and lived independently enjoying daily chair dancing exercises, playing bingo and most recently her favorite hobby of word finding puzzle.

We all have precious moments with her but I will never forget all the times when she unfailingly helped all of us to keep believing in ourselves, reminded us to acknowledge and keep our focus on our strengths amidst adversity, stay faithful to God and call on Him and reassures us that we can surpass any challenge always and we always have her support.

We shared many precious memories together but one of my many favorites was when she will invite me for a hug by raising both her arms soon after she enters the house on her scooter, then she will share anecdotes of her day while playing bingo with fellow seniors and then she would joyfully hand me her bingo winnings with pride. And all the times we would playfully hug and kiss until she chuckles and break into a wholehearted laughter that makes me feel like i just won a million dollar every time. She always makes us feel that we can do anything we set our heart into with faith in God, discipline, commitment, and persistence.

She has displayed amazing kindness, generosity in spirit, humility, optimism, compassion, perseverance in challenging circumstances, unwavering faith and devotion to God. She was a devoted mother to all her children and grandchildren teaching all of us to stay faithful to God and always be kind to others and forgive. She taught us to always do the right thing no matter how difficult it is for us,

Nanay, while we are deeply saddened that our time with you on earth has ended, we will carry on with gratitude your precious memories and love. We will continue to live our lives knowing you want us to always be happy and strong amidst adversity. We will live with peace in our hearts and minds knowing that you are eternally happy with God and that you are with us now more than ever until our spirits meet again in heaven with God.

Thank you for your precious gifts to us and for sharing your beautiful and gentle spirit.

You will always be my greatest LOVE.

Gail

"She never took no for an answer and pushed ahead when others would give up. A kinder and gentler woman you will never meet again."
Glenn
"We are deeply grateful to you for giving us life, nurturing us and for your unwavering unconditional love and forgiveness. You are beautiful and gentle but have the strength of steel and I am eternally grateful for having you as my mom".
Divina
Special Note of Gratitude:

We would like to extend our gratitude to Panorama View Apartment staff specially Alex who has welcomed and took great care of her all these years. The senior residents who have prayed, exercised, and celebrated all birthday parties with her.

Thank you to all the Kaiser Medical Staff for taking good care of her medical needs from the beginning to the end.

Special thank you goes to Mel Rissi and Ann Wing for your assistance with the montage for the memorial service and the Stephen Ministry Organization for your support through it all.

We are grateful to all of you and we pray that God continue to bless you all with good health, peace, love and joy in your heart.

Thank you.