Obituary of Eulalia Jimenez

JIMENEZ, Eulalia “Nanay Aling” Romano

Our beloved Nanay passed away on September 24, 2021. She is joining her husband, Julio Jimenez, in heaven along with her oldest daughter, Mercy. She is survived by her remaining children – Yolly (Tony), Rey (Minda), Carol (Ed - Deceased), Elvie (George), Del (Boy), Eddie (Loida), Sue (Rene) and Lori. Nanay also has 20 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Nanay was born in the city of General Trias, Cavite, Philippines on February 12, 1928. In 1945, Nanay met and fell in love with a handsome, young military man who was stationed nearby. After a short courtship, Nanay and Tatay Julio married in 1946 and they celebrated the birth of the first daughter, Mercedes “Mercy”, that same year. It’s unclear how they decided to name all of their children using all the letters in MERCEDES, but that’s what they did! In 1947, they were blessed with their second daughter, Eulinia “Yolly”. In 1949, they were overjoyed with the birth of their oldest son, Reynaldo “Rey”. In 1950, their third daughter, Carolina “Nene” was born. In 1952, they welcomed their fourth daughter Elvira “Elvie”. In 1953, their 5th daughter, Delia “Del” was born. After 6 kids, they took a break. Then in 1960, they welcomed their second son, Eduardo “Eddie”. In 1962, Susan “Sue” was born. And just when they thought they were done, Lori was born in 1970, and her name began with the letter L because she was the last! That’s 9 children in a 24 year span, living in a one story house with no bedrooms! Nanay was still having kids after her oldest daughter already had 3 of her own.

Nanay spent her days raising her brood, letting them play outside and when it was time for them to come inside, her distinct “Pssssst” could be heard from a kilometre away. She raised her children in a house full of love and respect, teaching them to appreciate what meager belongings they had. She mastered feeding a small army on a budget and still managed to ensure all of her children received an education.

Sadly in 1983, Tatay Julio passed away, leaving Nanay a widow at 55 years old. At this point, five of her children had already immigrated to Canada. Nanay arrived in Canada in the fall of 1984. Nanay quickly discovered her love of WWF wrestling and recorded pay-per-view events on VHS. She loved game shows like Price is Right, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. She watched her favourite soap operas every day - Young and the Restless and Days of Our Lives. Watching TV helped learn how to speak English.

Nanay was a devout Catholic and attended mass every week at Holy Family Parish in Whitby. She also attended yearly pilgrimages to Our Lady of Fatima Shrine in NY and the Martyrs’ Shrine in Midland, ON. She was a member of the Fil-Ontario Seminary Scholarship Society Inc. and was present at all of their meetings and events.

Nanay’s all-time favourite activity was going to the casino, also known as her ‘happy place’. Nanay became a track star the moment she walked into the casino, and she was fortunate to have won a few jackpots. Throughout COVID when the casinos were closed, Nanay practiced playing slots on her laptop from the comfort of her own bed. Nanay spent her last day enjoying her happy place. She passed away suddenly in a hospital in Barrie.

Visitation will be held at the DeStefano Funeral Home 1289 Keith Ross Drive in Oshawa (905) 440 3595, on Tuesday September 28th from 4:00pm - 9:00pm. and Wednesday September 29th from 3:00pm - 9:00pm.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be Held on Thursday September 30th at 10:30am at Holy Family Parish in Whitby. Interment will follow at Mt. Lawn Memorial Gardens.

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in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Nanay’s name to the Fil-Ontario Seminary Scholarship Society Inc.

Ba-bye-you, take care, Nanay.