Monday, April 28, 2003
A quick note from me - THE COMMENTARY
By Joseph Planta
VANCOUVER – My Grandmother, as many of you may know, died a week ago tomorrow. The last number of days have been spent preparing for the funeral and such. Services won't be until later this week, so instead of waiting until next week, I've decided to drop a quick note to the subscription list this morning.
First, I want to thank all those who have sent along notes or called over the last few days. You will never know how comforting your thoughts and wishes have been to myself and my family. Personally, I appreciate them very much. The burden of grief has been incredibly tough, and I will always remember those that extended their thoughts to me at this time.
It has been much more difficult than I ever imagined it to be. You never really can predict these things, and as much as you prepare for it, when it hits, it hits so very hard. More than ever, the reaching out I've gotten from friends and readers of this space, has been all the more special and meaningful.
My Grandmother doesn't leave behind a terribly large family, but since there are a number of us, it has been easier as we've all been delegated tasks to do, and parts to play. It has been interesting to be with family once again, and in the fullness of time, I'll be posting some thoughts and observations on that, in this space.
Below you'll find the obituary notice of my Grandmother which appeared in the newspapers this weekend. I was charged with putting that together, so I post it here for posterity's sake.
And a quick note on the column, I plan to be back with new columns sometime next week. As a matter of fact, I had about two or three ready to post last week, but due to circumstance, they'll invariably have to wait.
PLANTA – Mrs. Maria Suplido Planta died on Tuesday, April 22, 2003. She was 91 years old. Mrs. Planta was born on December 6, 1911 in The Philippines, and studied at the University of Santo Tomas. For 36 years, Mrs. Planta taught home economics. Mrs. Planta is survived by her daughter Sonia and her four sons and daughters-in-law: Isaac and Dolly, Nestor and Joy, Ignacio and Myrna, and William and Jane. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Alain and Catherine, Susan, Philip and John Paul, Joseph, and Peter. Mrs. Planta also leaves behind many friends and acquaintances in the Filipino-Canadian community who will always remember her for her unwavering faith, quick-wit, and candour. The family wishes to thank her physician Dr. John A. Burak, and the other doctors and nurses who have provided much care and attention. A public viewing will be held Friday, May 2nd, between 6 and 9 p.m. at the Glenhaven Funeral Home, 1835 East Hastings. Refreshments will follow. The funeral mass will be held at the Holy Name Parish on Saturday, May 3rd, at 11:00 a.m., 4925 Cambie (at 33rd). Refreshments to follow, as well.
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An archive of Joseph Planta's previous columns can be found by clicking HERE .