CHARLIE RIVERA MONTERONA

Charlie Rivera Monterona, age 74, left this mortal realm on Saturday, December 2, 2023, leaving behind a deck of cards, an inbox of messages on Facebook Messenger left unread, three boxes full of gifts for loved ones, and family living across the world in places she never would have dreamed of as a child.

Charlie is survived by her daughters, Jocelyn Balita and Monica Grenier; son, Herminigildo Monterona Jr.; sisters, Nelly Villarojo, Felicitas Ganuelas, and Milagros Gellado; brother, Dencio Rivera; grandchildren, Shaddrach Luke Monterona; Renz Ronald Balita, Shackles Luzie Monterona, Riggs Joscel Balita, Rizia Shermia Balita, and Jeffery Tait; and her Filino dog Bruno, whom she loved more than her Canadian dog Athena.

She is preceded in eternal rest by her parents, Restituto and Carmen Rivera; husband Herminigildo Monterona Sr; sister Teresita Tabajen; and her smoking habit, which she quit in order to gain a second chance at life.

She enjoyed much of what life had to offer.  Some of her favourite pastimes included walking (she insisted on walking even in her final days), gardening (she loved growing chili peppers but could not tolerate spicy food), card games (she was the neighbourhood hustler), Bingo Saturdays, socializing, instant coffee, cooking, politics and watching basketball games.  Above all else, however, there was nothing more she enjoyed than a casual conversation with the people she loved.

She was unfortunately a victim of many pranks, most often at the hands of her grandchildren.  Surprising her around corners, tricking her with dish soap for lotion, putting rocks in her purse were a few incidents she had to go through; she would not let them get away unscathed however, as they would always get something in return. Charlie was not a woman who would let life get the upper hand on her.

Despite living in abject poverty, she worked multiple under-the-counter jobs as a household worker to scrounge up the money to send all three of her children to post-secondary education, being the first generation in her family to do so. She did not shy away from back-breaking work, taking the lion's share of household chores and even happily chopped firewood and cooked meal after meal for celebratory feasts.  Her words cut like steel, but within them were lessons that revealed her heart to those with the patience to get to know her. She had a character you would never forget.

Charlie was never alone, not even in her final moments.  She leaves behind an abundance of lessons, love without measure, and the memory of a woman whose laugh betrayed – yet never yielded – to the arduous life that she lived.

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As was her wish, she will be cremated and interred in the Philippines, where she will lie in wait with her loving husband in hope of resurrection.

Her family sends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at unit 3U4 and 3U5 of Seven Oaks Hospital, who made sure she wanted for nothing, and to the palliative care staff who gave their all towards providing her a comfortable and safe environment to be with her loved ones. A special thanks to Apollo Pharmacy for never keeping her far from their thoughts.

Any donations can be made your next card game's pool of money, where you are encouraged to play to your utmost (and maybe cheat a little) to keep the memory of Charlie Monterona alive.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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