It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Rosalina Bustamante on April 14, 2021 at the age of 90. Dear sister of Esing and Lydia. Predeceased by her siblings Paciencia, Eliseo, and Celerina. A loving aunt, she will be deeply missed by her many nieces and nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews.
A teacher at heart, Rosalina was born in Manila, Philippines, eventually earning her Bachelor’s degree in Education and Masters degree in Guidance and Counselling from Manuel L. Quezon University, Philippines. After 10 years as the Secretary to the Dean and Assistant Professor at the same university, Rosalina decided to immigrate to Canada in 1973. It was upon her arrival that she took a position at Willard Hall in Toronto and began her lifelong connection to the Women’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU). While working for the WCTU Rosalina earned her Masters of Education in Multicultural Studies and proceeded to join Toronto District School Board in 1982 as an elementary school teacher specializing in English as a Second Language until she retired in 1995.
Rosalina was a proud Canadian and a leader in the Filipino community in Canada, always advocating for the Filipino culture as well as promoting racial harmony. She was an active volunteer, mentoring new immigrants, teaching Filipino heritage and tutoring children new to Canada. Rosalina was regular columnist contributor to the Filipino newspaper Balita and wrote several articles about Filipino Canadians in Polyphony, the publication for the Multicultural Society of Ontario. Rosalina served on the Advisory Committee to the Mayor of Markham on racism and was a founding member of the Markham Federation of Filipino Canadians, a non-profit organization committed to the promotion and preservation of the Filipino culture and heritage through dialogue, educational, social and cultural activities.
Rosalina’s many accomplishments were recognized throughout the years – some highlights are: Ontario Young Leaders of Tomorrow Program – Catholic Immigration Bureau – Outstanding services as a Board Member (1991), Province of Ontario – 10 year commitment to volunteerism (1992), Markham Multicultural Association – Outstanding contribution toward the promotion of racial harmony in Markham (1992), The Outstanding Filipino Canadians of Ontario (1996), Who’s Who of Canadian Women (1999), one of the initial inductees into the City of Markham Mayor’s Seniors Hall of Fame (1999).
Above all, Rosalina was a loving, funny, generous, sister, aunt and friend. She was always there to lend an ear, tell a story or share a laugh over one of her delicious meals. She will be sadly missed and forever in our hearts. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Luke’s Parish, Thornhill. Due to the pandemic, the funeral service is private.
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Wednesday April 14th 2021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Rosalina Bustamante Wednesday April 14th 2021..
Décès pour la Ville:Markham, Province: Ontario