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April 2, 1931 to October 16, 2023 Ofelia Aquino Pangan passed away peacefully with her family at her side, in Clovis, California, after a short illness. She was 92 years old. She was born to Bonifacio Aquino, a fisherman, and Encarnacion Raymundo Aquino, a homemaker and businesswoman, in Parañaque, Metro Manila, Philippines. Ofelia had six brothers and two sisters. She grew up in a Seventh-day Adventist home since her parents converted from Catholicism to Adventism before she was born. From these humble beginnings, Ofelia, also known as Fel or Fely, valued education and successfully completed her elementary school years. World War II occurred during her childhood from which she could recount vivid stories of evacuating to an unpopulated island, hearing bullets whistle around, and listening to her brave older brothers recount near misses. She took a pause in high school to help the family finances by sewing cocktail purses for export. Urged by her brother Carlos, she returned to high school and took night classes, graduating at the top of her class. Ofelia continued at Philippine Union College, where she majored in English and Education. It was at PUC that she caught the eye of a senior ministerial student, Abel Velasquez Pangan. Abel was called to be a missionary to the kingdom of Laos, and as a single man, was counseled to have a spouse before he went. He proposed to Fel who accepted with much hesitation, as she wanted to complete her bachelors degree before getting married. Her parents surprised her by agreeing to the proposal and giving their blessing. They were married at Pasay English Church on May 24, 1959. Abel left 10 days after their wedding for Laos, then Fel followed after she graduated with her bachelors degree. This began their lifetime of mission service. Abel and Fel served in Laos and Thailand for 23 years. Fel taught English composition, American literature, grammar, yearbook publication, at the mission high school in Ekamai, Thailand. Many of her students attained success in professional arenas and returned to voice their appreciation and donate to school projects. On Sabbaths she led Sabbath School at all levels. She was the consummate hostess for many visiting church officers and dignitaries. We kids remember Mom being resourceful in making food from scratch - gluten, whole wheat bread, granola, Nuteena, corn tortillas, pizza, cinnamon rolls. She always insisted on giving her guests something to take home, after the delicious meal. She would create her own sewing patterns and bring them to life as matching dresses and shirts for us. Three children were born to Fel and Abel in Thailand: Lynda Rae and a set of twins, Rona May and Ronald Dale. In 1976, the family moved to Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan so Fel and Abel could pursue further education. Equipped with master’s degrees, they returned to Thailand as missionary teachers in 1978. They immigrated to Ontario, Canada in 1982 to continue ministry and teaching in Windsor, Sudbury, and Brampton. Fel particularly relished teaching English as a second language to eager, motivated adults from many countries. She became an avid sports fan of the Toronto Blue Jays and other sports. In 1991, Fel and Abel moved to Clovis, California for ministry at the emerging Central Valley Fil-Am SDA Church to be closer to their young grandchildren. Fel traded English teaching to leading out in adult Sabbath School discussions and told lively children’s stories to illustrate her husband’s sermons. She supported Abel in all aspects of ministry and embraced her new grandmother title, and recently, great-grandmother title. She enjoyed gardening, cooking vegetarian dishes, baking, sewing, Scrabble, Bookworm, daily 1-hour walks, and helping her high school and college grandkids in their English essays. Over the years, she and Abel made lifelong friends from all over the world and hosted many in their home. They traveled to numerous countries, and in retirement, accepted multiple volunteer mission assignments back to Thailand (Mission College), Kohala on the Big Island of Hawaii, and Molokai and Lanai. Fel prioritized her faith in the Lord, family, ministry, and achieving higher education. She experienced many answered prayers, was consistently grateful for the Lord’s many blessings, and captured these growth opportunities into devotionals published by the Women’s Ministries. Fel loved Jesus and was His faithful follower. She prayed daily for each child and spouse, grandchild by name, and addressed their specific needs. She frequently ended her prayers with “Lord, may we behold You when You come in the clouds of glory, and hear You say, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. Inherit the home I have made for you.’“ This brings us all hope, peace, and renewed strength to continue Fel’s legacy in the Lord. Her remaining family members cherish many wonderful memories and look forward to our grand reunion with Fel to hear those words from Jesus. Those waiting are her husband of 64 years, Abel, daughters Lynda (Pierre Scales), May (Erick Cuenca), son Dale, grandchildren Caitlin (Andrew Pedersen), Lauren (Thomas Cervantes), Courtney Cuenca, Jon Pierre Scales, Rachel Scales, Haley Pangan, Annelise Scales, Cienna Pangan, Gavin Pangan, Gabriella Pangan, great-grandchildren Sereia and TJ Cervantes, sisters Esperanza Mopera and Mary Aquino, brothers Bonifacio Aquino, and Roman Aquino, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Sleep now. We love you, Honey, Mom, Grandma, Auntie, Sister, Dear Friend.

Tributes

Ofelia Aquino Pangan

April 2, 1931 - October 16, 2023