On January 12, 1958, Marilou "Malou" Adefuin Pascual came into this world, born to Fidela Jose Adefuin ("Lola Daling") and Juan Cadayona Adefuin ("Lolo John") in Mabalacat, Pampanga. Malou was known for her fair skin and light brown, curly hair,  resembling a Filipina version of Shirley Temple. Lola Daling was always a fashionista. Here is Malou and her older sister Cora, dressed in matching dresses, hair clips, and purses. 

Lola Daling and Lolo John had nine children: Imelda "Mely" Adefuin (1944 to 1958), Placidad (1945), Emmanuel "Bong" Adefuin (1947 to 2006), Rogelio "Roger" Adefuin (Emerenciana Adefuin), Benjamin "Benjie" Adefuin (Nenita Adefuin), Joselito "Joey" Adefuin (1952 to 2017), Maria Corazon "Cora" Siacunco (Rolando Siacunco), Marilou "Malou" Pascual (1958 to 2021), Maria Isabelita "Lit" Rainwater (Jon Rainwater). Here is a photo of the first six Adefuin children.

The last three children of Lola Daling and Lolo John were the "Tres Marias" (Three Marias)-- Maria Corazon (aka Cora), Maria Lourdes (aka Malou), and Maria Isabelita (aka Lit). Lola Daling hired a photographer to capture this photo of the Tres Marias with their grand aunt, Lola Paning. 

The Adefuin children would spend their summers in Paete, Laguna, Lolo John's hometown. Those summers were filled with happy memories, laughter, and fun with many cousins. Malou was always so grateful for her youth. Can you spot Malou?! 

Lolo John opened and operated an auto parts business, which he named "Fidela's Enterprises". Fidela's is a multi-story building, with a rich history. Fidela's served as the store front, and the home of Lolo John, Lola, and 7 of the Adefuin children. 

Fidela's was always lively with rooftop parties, and nieces and nephews running around. One memory fondly shared is Malou singing (Carpenters hits) in the Fidela's stairwell. Her nieces and nephews were her audience. Here is Malou with the first niece, Mairo Ranada Adefuin. In addition to Mairo, Malou also leaves behind Vincent "Enteng", Rudolf "Jonby", Sigvard "Jigs", Juro Christ, John Jaworski "JJ", Regina Marie "Gin Gin", John Brian "Bhraye", Anne Marie Bennette, John Benjie "Joben", Lana, Linell, Lovelyn, Joy, Joanne, Jennifer, Joyce, JR, Rolando "Pidgy", Roberto "Hank", Corinne, and Patricia "Trick".

Malou was a finalist in the Filipina Maid of Cotton beauty pageant. How could she not be with those beautiful, piercing eyes, and warm smile?

Malou attended the prestigious Assumption College, an exclusive all-girls school, where she earned her Associates Degree in Tourism. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who served as the 14th president of the Philippines, served as one of Malou's professors. She continued her education at the University of the Philippines, where she earned her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Management.  Malou also attended Karilagan, the most elite finishing school in the Philippines at the time. Malou was a classy one. 

Malou's degree was put to good use as she inherited her father’s entrepreneurial spirit. Malou and her siblings ran multiple different business in Angeles, including CMI (initials for the Tres Marias-- Corazon, Marilou, and Isabelita).

In July 1987, Malou and Lola Daling came to America. Malou stayed with her best friend/sister, Cora, Cora's husband, Rolando Siacunco, whom Malou fondly called "Mr. Siacs" ("Siacs" short for  Siacunco). Here is Malou and her nephew, Hank (Filipino nicknames again... Hank's true name is Roberto), shortly after her arrival to America.

On May 23, 1990, Malou gave birth to TJ (real name Maricar) and on May 15, 1991, to Robbie (real name...Robbie), Malou's "pride and joy." Malou was the best mama one could ask for. Malou filled the shoes of two parents, raising her children as a single mother. They say it takes a village to raise a child, which is true. However, the village was inspired by Malou's courage, strength, resilience, hard work and determination to provide the best life for her two children.  On July 11, 2014, Malou wrote "You were extraordinary kids. I had no headaches, heartaches, and especially...no regrets. I had a swell time listening to your laughters, being so proud of you,  acknowledging the praises of ability of raising you. It was grand to look through your eyes, sharing your joys of achievements, and watching how gracefully you face disappointments." If our laughter could talk, it would say "mama, thank you for the joy and unconditional love you give, thank you for making us feel so safe, and loved. Thank you for showing us what real love is and for being with always."

Malou always loved animals. In her youth, Malou dreamt of owning a farm with pigs, goats, and rabbits. So, it is not surprising that her favorite children were her furchildren. Rorrie (left), who Malou is now cuddling with in heaven, and Chunky (right). Twins? Special thanks to Jon and Lit for the gift of Chunky.  

Special thanks to the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, Sister Anne Kelley, Judge Tom Schulz, Miss Mary Schulz, and Pam Gripp. In 2016, 18 years after meeting Sister Anne, Judge Tom, and Miss Mary, they were reunited when TJ graduated law school. Law school inspired by Judge Tom.

Special thanks to Mr. Siacs for always "having my back".

Special thanks to Gang, for being "my diary and best friend."

Special thanks to Lit, for "bringing back the joy of laughter."

Special thanks to Jon, "who I've come to love as a brother."

Special thanks to Benjie, "for always doing the hard work."