Family was one of the things in life that mattered the most to Pilar. She was the daughter of Florencio and Pia, and had six siblings named Silvia, Puring, Cesar, Florencio Jr., Erminio and Agripina. On July 11, 1965, she got married to her husband Carlito and they started a family together. Besides Caroline, they also had Carlota and Charlie. After twenty five years of marriage, Carlito passed away on January 9, 1988 due to brain cancer.

Living up to the value that family mattered most to her, she was dedicated to her kids and her grandchildren Eion, Chelsea, Chrys, Francesco, Isabella, Elian and Dominic. She has always been selfless, especially when it came to her kids and grandchildren. She spent all of her time and all resources that she could on them. She may be gone, but she will forever be remembered and loved by her grandchildren. She will live on forever in their hearts and minds.

Pilar had a natural gift for taking care of others and anticipating their needs, so it was perfect that she became a caregiver for the elderly after immigrating to the United States in 1989. Her positivity was contagious – she lifted people’s spirits and brought smiles to their faces. Her compassion earned her the respect and love of not just her clients and their families, but of her colleagues, as well. This poem is for you, Pilar.

Unknown and often unnoticed, you are a hero nonetheless.
For your love, sacrificial, is God at his best.
You walk by faith in the darkness of the great unknown,
And your courage, even in weakness, gives life to your beloved.
You hold shaking hands and provide the ultimate care:
Your presence, the knowing, that you are simply there.
You rise to face the giant of disease and despair,
It is your finest hour, though you may be unaware.
You are resilient, amazing, and beauty unexcelled,
You are the caregiver and you have done well! - Bruce McIntyre

Pilar spent Christmas 2015 in the Philippines. This final visit to her homeland was deeply rewarding. Along with her daughter, Carol, and her family she toured the beautiful Quezon province, La Union, Vigan, and Boracay. But most of all, Pilar remembered this trip for bringing all of her children and grandchildren, from the U.S. and the Philippines, together.