With immense sorrow, the Lanquibo family announce that Emma (also known as Emy), age 67 years, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born to the late Teofilo and Lucena Sabandal on October 24, 1958, in Surigao City, Philippines.

On March 29, 1979, Emma married the love of her life, Vilvergo. They immigrated to Canada with their daughter Velle and son Vel Mhark, settling in Thunder Bay in October 1986. A year later, they were blessed with twin boys Lou and Lee, completing their young family.

Emma graduated from Andres Soriano College in the Philippines with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce, majoring in Banking and Finance. Unfortunately, degrees from other countries usually aren’t recognized in Canada, which was very disappointing for her. Emma didn’t let this disappointment prevent her from finding work to provide for her family. Emma dedicated 23 years to Zellers until they closed in 2013. She was a sales floor associate and merchandiser that radiated positivity to everyone she met; winning multiple awards for Outstanding Customer Service Employee. She later worked at Sears, Party City, and Mark’s Work Warehouse.

Emma enjoyed trying new recipes, knitting, gardening, and watching movies with family. Spending time with immediate family and close friends would always bring her great joy. Family road trips, camping, fishing, and picnics were some of the best times together.

Emma was a loving mom that raised her kids to value honesty and hard work. She had a beautiful smile that would light up the room and a unique laugh that made everyone else laugh with her. She stayed positive even after her health problems got worse.

When Emma was diagnosed with kidney disease in 2021 and an incurable blood cancer in 2022, it really tested the family’s faith in God. However, Emma and her husband would still pray the rosary; they used YouTube to watch mass by Father Ciano Ubod in the Philippines.

Emma was immunocompromised, but she was strong enough to survive multiple serious infections in the last 5 years; some of those infections started when she was already an inpatient. She never stopped her dialysis while she was sick and continued her chemotherapy when she got better. Emma could have stopped her treatments at any time, but she didn’t want to leave her kids, especially after their Dad died two years ago in the ICU. Emma had a very difficult summer last year, but she was doing well at home since November 2025, with no infections for 8 months.

Emma’s daughter, Velle Gosselin, would visit her to catch up and cook dinner when possible. Emma enjoyed listening to her daughter’s stories and would share her fond memories of the past.

Emma’s son, Lou, liked to surprise her with presents that made things easier or more comfortable for her. Emma was very grateful for his generous and thoughtful gifts. Spending time with Lou and his dog Tuko made her happy.

Emma’s son, Lee, would sometimes drop by to help fix things around the house, which she appreciated. The birth of her first grandchild, Eli, made her light up with joy and gave Emma more strength to continue her treatments.

Emma’s oldest son, Vel Mhark, promised to put his life on hold to care for her and his Dad. She saw how hard it was on him and would often cheer him up. She knew it was difficult seeing her health slowly deteriorate and losing her independence. Vel played a song of his Dad singing to her, so Vilvergo’s voice gave her comfort at the end.

Emma will be loved and missed always, and remembered forever. Although her physical presence may be absent, Emma’s compassionate spirit will live on.

Emma is predeceased by her loving parents Teofilo & Lucena and her adoring husband Vilvergo. Emma is survived by her daughter Velle Gosselin; sons Vel Mhark, Lou, and Lee (Katrina); grandson Eli.

Thanks to everyone that gave their condolences, sympathy cards, or gifts.

The family is thankful to everyone that helped Emma at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Victoria Order of Nurses, and Home Care Support Services. Thank you to Dr Trochimchuk for taking good care of our family.

Thanks to the Renal department for providing quality care to Emma for 5 years. Emma had dialysis 3 times a week, so she got to know some of her caring nurses. Thanks to the ER department for saving Emma’s life many times, especially on Christmas night in 2023 when she got very sick at the TCU after only two weeks.

Thanks to Dr Bezanson and the Palliative Care team for their help and visiting Emma when she was an inpatient. Thanks to Dr Laferriere and the Regional Cancer Care Northwest for giving chemotherapy to Emma for 4 years. Thanks to Dr McCallum, Dr Brown, and all the ICU nurses for giving Emma more time with her children.

Thank you to Fr Larry Kurec for giving Emma the Sacrament of the Sick in the ICU. Thanks to Fr Doug McClure and everyone at Holy Family Church for helping arrange the funeral. Cremation has taken place. Interment will be held at a later date.

Fr Larry Kurec will preside over a funeral Mass at Holy Family Church, to be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 2:00 pm with visitation held one hour prior. Holy Family Church is at 2055 Rosslyn Road, Thunder Bay, ON.

“If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane,

I’d walk right up to Heaven and bring you home again”

– Author unknown