Obituary for Geronima "Jerome" Padua
GERONIMA “JEROME” GALANDE PADUA
October 15, 1961 – February 17, 2022
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ms. Jerome Padua on February 17, 2022. Now in the care of our God, Jerome leaves behind many family and friends who love her very much. Born on October 15, 1961 in Maria Aurora, Philippines, Jerome showed a zest for life at an early age, joining sports and social clubs with her friends and classmates while spending time with her large family. Jerome graduated from Central Luzon Polytechnic College in engineering and worked as a civil engineer in the Philippines for five years. In December 1990, Jerome moved to Canada and immediately called Thunder Bay her home, along with her two sisters, Cora and Arlyn. Jerome worked for the City of Thunder Bay in the health care field, highlighted by a 16-year career at Bethammi Nursing Home. It didn’t take long for Jerome to become an active member in this community as she volunteered for many organizations and charities. At the time of her passing, Jerome was the president of the Thunder Bay Multicultural Association, the Filipino-Canadian Association of Thunder Bay, Inc., an executive and co-founder with the Tapestry Women’s Network as well as a member of Grace Evangelical Church. In every facet of life, everyone Jerome interacted with have nothing but warm words for her. Jerome’s variety of interests included singing in choir, taekwondo, dancing, writing, drawing, painting, playing Scrabble, gin rummy and bingo and public speaking. In our large Filipino community in Thunder Bay, Jerome’s house was known as “party-party” central with an open door, food and karaoke for all. “Party-party” Central was always decorated to celebrate all different holidays and occasions.
Jerome is survived by her mother Leonora Padua and siblings Cora (Loreto) Tordil, Charito (Frankie) Lomboy, John (Imelda) Padua, Arlyn Padua, Bing (Willy) Lomboy; nieces and nephews Katrina, John Elli, Frank Godwin, Jawf, Gene, Gideon, Lorwille, Lowella, Razelle; and grand nephew Ace. Jerome was predeceased by her father Francisco Padua and her beloved dog, Prince Harry Padua. Extended family and friends left to mourn are Reuben, Jessica and Katelynn Villagracia, Joseph and Amelia Atienza, Espie Williams and families, Chris Libiak, Hilda Engler, Armin and Carmela del Rosario, Dean and Elma Mostow, Cathy Olson, Roopa Rakshit, Tirso, Gia and Nathan Nillos. Much appreciation to the Filipino employees and Jerome’s friends at St. Joseph’s Hospital — Nida Tomas, Ivy Demillo, Sandee Gesta and Edwina Ambasa Lajara — spent time with her during her final days.
Special thanks to Pastor Martin Lord and the community at Grace Evangelical Church for praying with Jerome and for Jerome through the difficult times. Thanks to Cathy Woodbeck and Jim Squier and the staff at the Thunder Bay Multicultural Association for their kind words and support.
Jerome’s family would like to thank Dr. M. Ibrahim (oncologist) and all the nurses and caregivers at the Cancer Care Centre, TBRHSC and St. Joseph’s Hospital.
Cremation has taken place. The ashes will be brought home to the Philippines. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 14, 2022 at Sargent and Sons Funeral Home on 21 North Court Street. In lieu of flowers, friends can make a donation in Jerome’s name to the Canadian Cancer Society. Online condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.
October 15, 1961 – February 17, 2022
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ms. Jerome Padua on February 17, 2022. Now in the care of our God, Jerome leaves behind many family and friends who love her very much. Born on October 15, 1961 in Maria Aurora, Philippines, Jerome showed a zest for life at an early age, joining sports and social clubs with her friends and classmates while spending time with her large family. Jerome graduated from Central Luzon Polytechnic College in engineering and worked as a civil engineer in the Philippines for five years. In December 1990, Jerome moved to Canada and immediately called Thunder Bay her home, along with her two sisters, Cora and Arlyn. Jerome worked for the City of Thunder Bay in the health care field, highlighted by a 16-year career at Bethammi Nursing Home. It didn’t take long for Jerome to become an active member in this community as she volunteered for many organizations and charities. At the time of her passing, Jerome was the president of the Thunder Bay Multicultural Association, the Filipino-Canadian Association of Thunder Bay, Inc., an executive and co-founder with the Tapestry Women’s Network as well as a member of Grace Evangelical Church. In every facet of life, everyone Jerome interacted with have nothing but warm words for her. Jerome’s variety of interests included singing in choir, taekwondo, dancing, writing, drawing, painting, playing Scrabble, gin rummy and bingo and public speaking. In our large Filipino community in Thunder Bay, Jerome’s house was known as “party-party” central with an open door, food and karaoke for all. “Party-party” Central was always decorated to celebrate all different holidays and occasions.
Jerome is survived by her mother Leonora Padua and siblings Cora (Loreto) Tordil, Charito (Frankie) Lomboy, John (Imelda) Padua, Arlyn Padua, Bing (Willy) Lomboy; nieces and nephews Katrina, John Elli, Frank Godwin, Jawf, Gene, Gideon, Lorwille, Lowella, Razelle; and grand nephew Ace. Jerome was predeceased by her father Francisco Padua and her beloved dog, Prince Harry Padua. Extended family and friends left to mourn are Reuben, Jessica and Katelynn Villagracia, Joseph and Amelia Atienza, Espie Williams and families, Chris Libiak, Hilda Engler, Armin and Carmela del Rosario, Dean and Elma Mostow, Cathy Olson, Roopa Rakshit, Tirso, Gia and Nathan Nillos. Much appreciation to the Filipino employees and Jerome’s friends at St. Joseph’s Hospital — Nida Tomas, Ivy Demillo, Sandee Gesta and Edwina Ambasa Lajara — spent time with her during her final days.
Special thanks to Pastor Martin Lord and the community at Grace Evangelical Church for praying with Jerome and for Jerome through the difficult times. Thanks to Cathy Woodbeck and Jim Squier and the staff at the Thunder Bay Multicultural Association for their kind words and support.
Jerome’s family would like to thank Dr. M. Ibrahim (oncologist) and all the nurses and caregivers at the Cancer Care Centre, TBRHSC and St. Joseph’s Hospital.
Cremation has taken place. The ashes will be brought home to the Philippines. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 14, 2022 at Sargent and Sons Funeral Home on 21 North Court Street. In lieu of flowers, friends can make a donation in Jerome’s name to the Canadian Cancer Society. Online condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.