Alice's mom and my mom were sisters. Having been born in the States, when I was a little girl, my mom often spoke of her nieces and nephews back home and the one who stood out was my cousin Alice, who, according to her, at a very young age, had already shown a dynamic, outgoing, sociable personality. My mom was so proud of her. Cut to the year 1971 when I was 6 and my mom brought me and my brother to stay in the Philippines for a year, and I came to know all of my wonderful older cousins including Alice, who was already in high school that tine and the most popular girl who had the beauty and the brains, and a humongous sense of humor as well! Yes, she stood out among all her cousins and she was the girl who stood out in high school. And of course, not to mention the string of handsome admirers she had. I looked up to her and envied her sisters for having a sister like her, me being the only girl in the family with 2 brothers.

Last week I was so shocked and pained to hear about her passing, because according to Victoria's post, she was a private person. Only her family knew of her illness. I will miss you so much, my dearest cousin. Who knew that the last time we saw each other was when you came to San Francisco when mom passed 4 years ago?

I love you and may you rest in heaven.

In memory of Alice.

(From Edna, younger sister of Alice).

My dear friends.

Let me tell you somethings, some personal things about Alice that you may not know about her. And after you do, you realize she's a full package, and will love her even more.

Our parents are from Laoag City, IN and from Abra. Our father died early, I was 1 year old and Alice was 3. We spent our elementary and High School days in Abra and in Laoag City. We, the 4 siblings, are all achievers but when we are together, teachers and friends would call me "Alice's sister". And I was so proud to be her sister.

She was always popular, over-achiever, friends to all. She would join every group, association, event during our HS. She was the Editor-in-Chief of our School Paper during our HS days.

She joined the HS band as a Majorette, and a Drummer. Every Intramurals, she joins the Women's basketball, volleyball, and archery tournaments. Before the Citizen's Army Training (CAT), she was a Girl Scout Achiever, then a CAT Company Commander, and a Beauty contest winner. She wants it all!

During the Entrance Examination to College (NSAT), the 1st time it was given to HS graduating class in 1974, she topped it.

She graduated with honors.

She graduated with a BSN degree in St. Louis University in Baguio City and her internship in Chinese General Hospital in Manila.

Every vacation with Victoria in the Philippines included going to nice resorts. Our family get togethers were in The Hidden Valley in Alaminos, Laguna, Zambawood in Zambalez, The Fort Ilocandia in Laoag, The Stilts in Calatagan, Batangas. She liked fun and exciting places.

We were planning to go to Bohol or Batanes the next time they come for a vacation.

She had many plans, she wants to have a farm in the Philippines, and to have a vacation house of her own. She also said that when she retires, she would want to live with me and would enjoy exploring all the tourist spots in the Philippines.

I miss her.

It was God’s gift having Alice in our lives, one to be treasured, a memory to be kept as inspiration for us who were left behind. We could not be with her on her last mortal moments but that is probably what she wanted. She wanted us to remember her full of life, full of joy. She is a beautiful soul, a light from heaven that touched most of us.

That's her and i miss her.

I love you my sister Alice!

In memory of our beloved sister Alice.

(From Janet, the youngest sister of our beloved Alice).

You all know that Alice is a good sister and friend. Loving, caring, generous, compassionate, has a strong personality and admittedly the most beautiful among us sisters - a complete package of beauty and brains. We have many happy memories together and I can’t remember any dull moments when we were together. Starting when we were kids until before she passed away, we never fought. We never had that “normal” sibling quarrel as you may say. She’s my defender - maybe because I’m the bunso or simply, we clicked. Even if we are miles away, we always talk through video call, chat through messenger or texts. There’s an infinite lists of things we talk about whether reminiscing about our younger lives or about Victoria. She’s very proud of Victoria, of all her achievements and I, too, can’t help but be proud of Victoria as well. Whenever we’re talking, we could not keep track of the time - we may last 1 hour, 2 hours or more continuously talking about anything, sbout everything. Whenever she visited home (here in the Philippines), she never fails to share her flight details, and before she flies, she has a lot of “bilin” - of what food she misses and wants to eat when she gets home (like pakbet, dinengdeng, grilled fish, seafoods and the only pork they eat (longganisa) and a variety of fruits more commonly found here in the Philippines). She always requests for buko, mango, guyabano and papaya - to name a few of her favorite fruits.

Fast forward…

I asked Alice before, who’s with her aside from Victoria, to take care of her when she was admitted in the hospital and she said that she has a lot of friends (“na hindi raw siya pinapabyaan at hwag daw kami mag-alala”) --that she’s not being neglected and that she's well taken cared of, and we need not worry.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of her friends, who were there to support her, whether physical or spiritual. We are grateful that she has a supportive family there in the US. Thank you for the love you’ve given to our dear Alice.

When she was discharged and went home, she said she’s better (and I thought she was). Her last few texts to us was when she said “mahal na mahal ko kayong lahat,” that she’s happy to have me as her sister (with emoji hearts).

Until now, I am still in shock and can’t believe she’s gone. It’s really hard to accept but we will never know what God’s plan is. All we know is Alice is not suffering anymore, and she’s now in a better place with Mamang and Papang and our brother, Mar.

To Alice, We love you so much, I will miss your voice, our video chats and calls and everything about you.

We love you.

Alice, you will be missed! The last time I saw you full of life was at my graduation party in August, 2021. You looked so beautiful, vibrant, and a great dancer! My family and I were so sad to know what happened to you and now you are gone. You were a great friend and a colleague. I remember the days I worked with you as a Case Manager, you were an excellent worker! Most of all, you were an excellent mother to your only child, Victoria. Again, you will be missed! We love you and we are here for Victoria for anything she needs. May you Rest in Peace (RIP) Alice! Our heartfelt condolence to your family.

Sincerely,

Lita Richards and Family.

You will be missed, dear Tita Alice! We will always cherish our times together.

Victoria, know that we, your family, will always be here for you!