"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith".
2 Timothy 4:7

We remember and celebrate the life of our beloved Rema Fontanilla Nano, a devoted wife, loving mother, dedicated hardworking nurse, and a woman whose courage, strength, and determination created a lasting legacy for her family.

Rema was born on April 3, 1953, in Backiling, Aparri, Cagayan, Philippines, to her loving parents, Reymundo Salud Fontanilla and Maria Tomas Fontanilla. She grew up with 5 siblings (Eleanor, Remy, Jun, Mario, Neneth). She spent her early years in Aparri surrounded by her family, where she developed the values of hard work, perseverance, compassion, and devotion to those she loved.

As a young woman, Rema left Backiling, Aparri, Cagayan and moved to Manila to continue her education and pursue her passion for nursing. Her desire to care for others became the foundation of what would eventually become a lifelong and meaningful career. Through dedication and determination, Rema earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing with honors from Arellano University in May 1977. This accomplishment opened the door to opportunities that would eventually take her far beyond the Philippines.

With dreams of building a new life and advancing her nursing career, Rema made the courageous decision to leave her homeland and migrate on her own to the United States in 1981, settling first in Chicago, Illinois. Leaving behind the familiarity of her family and home required tremendous courage, but Rema embraced the opportunity to pursue the American dream and create a better future.

Later that same year, Rema began another important chapter in her life when she married Paciano B. Nano on September 11, 1981. Together, they began building a life rooted in love, commitment, hard work, and family.

In 1984, Rema and her husband made their way west and moved to Southern California, where they settled in the city of Garden Grove. It was there that they would establish their home, raise their family, and build the life that Rema had once dreamed of when she first made the courageous journey from the Philippines to America.

From her beginnings in Aparri, to her education in Manila, her journey to Chicago, and eventually her home in Southern California, Rema's life was a testament to perseverance, sacrifice, and courage. She worked tirelessly not only to achieve her own dreams, but to create opportunities and a better future for the family she loved so deeply.

Her journey across countries and generations became part of the foundation upon which her family continues to stand today.

Rema will always be remembered for the strength she carried, the sacrifices she made, the people she cared for, and the unconditional love she gave to her family. Though she is no longer physically with us, her story, values, and love will remain forever in the hearts of those whose lives she touched.

Rema Fontanilla Nano will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

Her life was a beautiful journey of courage, sacrifice, service, and love—and her legacy will live on through her family for generations to come.