Obituary for Elmer Obsena Sanchez
DR. ELMER OBSENA-SANCHEZ (September 16, 1932 - April 16, 2019)
FOSTER CITY - Elmer Jagualing Obsena-Sanchez died peacefully at home in Foster City, California at 5:40am, Tuesday, 16th of April 2019. She was 86 years old.
Born September 16, 1932 in Malaybalay, Bukidnon, Philippines to parents Rosa Jagualing and Raymundo Obsena, Elmer was the youngest of four (4) children. She was given a man’s name before she was even born because of the desire of her parents to have a son after three (3) girls in a row. She lost her Mother at age 11 during the Japanese Occupation; raised solely by her Father, lovingly doted upon and cared for by her three older sisters - Onesima, Palcomeri and Adelfa (all deceased).
Elmer received her Education Degree from Normal College (Bukidnon) and then continued her education at the University at the East, Philippines from which she received her degree in Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM) in 1956. She met her husband Augusto Garcia Sanchez in Caloocan City; they were neighbors. After she passed her Dental Board Exam and husband Augusto passed his Bar Exam, they got engaged and were married on March 18,1958 at Ellinwood Church in Malate, Manila. They had six children - 3 boys and 3 girls.
Elmer taught Mathematics and English at Northern Rizal York Lin School (formerly Chiang Kai Shek) and had her Private Dental Practice until her retirement in 1994 and 2007 respectively.
She served as President of Kalookan Dental Society, a position she proudly held and was awarded by the Philippine Dental Association as Most Outstanding Chapter President for her exemplary achievements and contributions to the Society and service to the community-at-large. In 2010, she was awarded by the City of Kalookan as Most Outstanding Citizen.
She was a member of Caloocan Evangelical Church where she served as Board Member, President of Women’s Fellowship and Dentist of the Church’ Elementary School. In 1988, she was awarded “Mother of the Year”.
She loved to garden, sing, play piano, good food, travel, animals and going to the movies; she had a very good sense of humor and a smile and laughter that could light up a room.
A woman of faith and prayer, a compassionate heart for the poor and the lost and faithful service to the church and community - she leaves behind a legacy of a life well lived. The testimony of her Christian life, as a loving wife and mother, her dedication and service in the ministry and all throughout her journey of grace……..her faith, her deep love for the Lord and His work will always live on - a shining beacon to all whose lives she touched and dearly loved.
She is survived by her beloved daughters, Eleanor, Eloisa, and Elmyra; son, Jose Augusto (other two (2) sons Jose Geronimo and Augusto, Jr. predeceased her); son-in-law, Karl Christopher Lowenstein (married to Elmyra), daughter-in-law, Soledad Bulatao-Sanchez (married to Jose Augusto); in-laws, nephews and nieces; and grandchildren all of whom brought joy to her later years, Ralph Augustus Lanuza, Randall Augustus Lanuza, Bradley Joseph Lowenstein, Brian Nicholas Lowenstein - all in the Bay Area; and Jia Abigail Sanchez, Jana Angela Sanchez, Josiah Ariel Sanchez and Jeiel Andrea Sanchez - all live in Chicago.
Memorial Services will be held on: Saturday, May 4, 2019 at 5:30pm and Sunday, May 5, 2019 at 5:00pm with Rev. Jeremiah Montejo presiding; and Cremation Service, a Private Ceremony, will be held on Monday, May 6, 2019 at 10am to 11am with Rev. Rey Desenganio presiding at Cypress Lawn Tiffany Chapel, 1370 El Camino Real, Colma, CA 94014.
All arrangements are being handled by Cypress Lawn Funeral Home, Colma, CA.