SOCORRO JUAN

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SOCORRO JUAN

With her family by her side, Socorro "Cory" Juan peacefully entered eternal rest on February 11, 2024 at the age of 81.

She leaves to cherish her memory her husband of 58 years Neme; son Arnold; daughter Rowena (Marcial); her beloved grandchildren, Joshua and Rhea; and siblings, David, Arceli, Helen, Juan, Evangeline, and Pacita.

She was predeceased by her parents, Pacifico and Lucia Llacuna, and has reunited with her dear sister Rose.

Mom was born in Jones, Isabela in The Philippines on June 27, 1942. The third of eight children, she immersed herself in athletics, particularly softball, and was never afraid to dive into new experiences. She enjoyed much of her childhood being raised by her grandmothers, which set the foundation for a sense of independence. Although she initially wanted to become a nurse, the teaching profession called out to her and subsequently graduated from the University of Manila with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She would not resist the charm of young Neme Juan and their life together began on January 13, 1966. They owned and operated a taxi cab business and as they embraced their budding teaching careers, they welcomed the birth of Arnold, followed by Rowena three years later.

The family immigrated to Winnipeg in 1974 and in needing to upgrade her education, obtained her Bachelor of Education from The University of Manitoba in 1982. Several years later she would receive a Post Baccalaureate degree from the U of M with a focus on Special Education. She had an affinity for the pupils in the inner city with an unwavering confidence in the ability of each child. She worked for The Winnipeg School Division and taught at Wellington and John M King Schools. Her role expanded beyond the classroom when she became Vice Principal at Norquay and Lord Roberts Schools. To Mom it was always about the students, to many she will always be Mrs. Juan. After 25 with the school division she retired in 2002.

Her commitment to education continued when she served as a trustee for the Seven Oaks School Division for six years. Retirement allowed them to enjoy many cruises, take a European holiday, and visit Hawaii several times, but the role of trustee made it possible to see cities that they might not have visited otherwise. She loved to travel and was fortunate to travel with her family for tournaments, and to the Maritimes, with the most memorable one being the Ohana trip to Hawaii in 2011.

She was one of the pioneers of the Manitoba Association of Filipino Teachers Incorporated, which paved the way for future Filipino educators in our province. She belonged and chaired numerous organizations, was heavily involved in the church including the CWL and marriage preparation classes. Most recently she was the founder of the Seven Oaks Filipino Employee Association, and the main proponent of the Filipino Language Bilingual Program, the first of its kind in Canada. In 2013 she founded Active Living Seven Oaks (ALSO) which promoted health and wellness for seniors in the local community, and it was during these events where she was able to to witness the shine in the eyes of her participants. She would be delighted in being told that the organization will continue in full force.

Mom was a recipient of many awards such as the Queen's Jubilee Medal, Mahatma Gandhi Community Service Recognition, and most recently one of Manitoba's Seniors of the Year Award.

She loved music, singing and dancing, often the first on the dance floor. She was a sports fan, the loudest cheerleader for her grandchildren in their respective games. She enjoyed watching tennis and whatever game we were watching, but other than her family and serving the Lord her greatest love was basketball and the Toronto Raptors.

An accomplished life with no regrets, please join us in celebrating her life. Lamay on February 22, 2024 at Glen Eden Funeral Home, 4477 Main Street, West St. Paul, MB from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Prayers will be at 7:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 23, 2024 at St. Anthony of Padua Church (WK), 250 Burrin Avenue, followed by lunch and internment.

As Mom was a bright and cheery person she has invited us to wear bright colors and any jersey, preferably NBA jerseys.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to CancerCare Manitoba.

Mom, you made this world a better place. Forever in our hearts.

Glen Eden Funeral Home

204-338-7111

Tribute link: www.glenedenmemorial.ca

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 17, 2024, Feb 17, 2024