elevated mWw9g December 1, 1937 – August 19, 2023

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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Candida Degala Guiang on the morning of August 19th, 2023, with her loving family by her side. Adoring mother to her sons, Anthony and Greg (Jay); her grandchildren Kirsten, Jacob and Noah; aunt to Rey, Shirley, Abigail, Mark, Mary Ann, Rex, Cesar and Bianibe. Also mourning are her brothers-in-law Mercelino and Camilo and her sister-in-law Zenaida. She was also a part-time dog mom to Esther who she took on walks and spoiled with abundant treats.

elevated mWw9g Candida will be reunited in heaven with her husband Jimmy, her mother and father, her mother-in-law Dominga and father-in-law Petronilo; alongside her brothers Cesar and Ramon, and her sister-in-law Esper. She will also be reunited with more brothers and sisters she lost when she was young due to disease and the harsh conditions in the Philippines during World War II, which left her and her two siblings orphans.

elevated mWw9g Born December 1st, 1937 in Ma-ayon, Capiz, Philippines, Candida persevered during the tumultuous period of WWII and the Japanese occupation. Despite her early life challenges, she was extraordinarily resilient and hard-working and was intent on paving a pathway of possibility for her life. She worked as a librarian at the Manuel L. Quezon Educational Institute where she earned a Home Economics Degree. After this tremendous accomplishment, she moved to North America with her brother Cesar in 1970. “Looking for adventure” she came to Canada through her own individual initiative forgoing Australia, South Africa and the U.S. She settled in Toronto where she and her husband Jimmy Guiang laid down their roots and had their two children — Anthony and Greg. In 1974, she established her small business Spencer Cleaners in Parkdale, which served as a safe haven for her sons and a community hub for fellow immigrants in the area. She served the community as an exceptionally talented seamstress for over 35 years before retiring. Following her retirement, she remained active, often visiting the Parkdale community using public transit and providing caregiving support to an elderly friend. Candida was a devout Catholic who regularly attended mass at Holy Family Parish and dutifully supported the clergy, including making their cassocks.

She had a talent for creating beautiful attire – especially wedding dresses, preparing Filipino dishes and even baking wedding cakes. She loved cooking for, and gathering with friends to celebrate Christmas and her sons’ birthdays. She was forever an avid Toronto Blue Jays fan. Throughout her life, Candida delighted in exploring her home city and was also a worldwide traveler who explored religious sites around the globe. She loved organizing these excursions with the Holy Family community. 

Candida was joyfully “Lola” to Greg’s two beautiful boys Jacob and Noah, loving them abundantly and unconditionally. She delighted in spending time and preparing meals with them. Candida was strong-willed and also had a generous heart. The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Candida. She had an uncanny ability to find fulfilment and gratitude in her daily activities. She found beauty in tending to her roses and orchids and her vegetable garden. She was called home by her Lord and Saviour, serenaded by Filipino praise songs. She left as she lived, with courage and dignity, carrying herself with strength and reassurance in God’s promise surrounded by family. She will be missed dearly and her memory will remain an inspiration and blessing. 

elevated mWw9g Visitation
Wednesday, August 30, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Catholic Cremation Services Chapel
6933 Tomken Road, Mississauga, Ontario L5T 1N4

elevated mWw9g Funeral Service
Thursday, August 31, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.
Catholic Cremation Services Chapel
6933 Tomken Road, Mississauga, Ontario L5T 1N4

elevated mWw9g To view a livestream of the Funeral Services on Thursday, August 31, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. please click here.

elevated mWw9g Burial
Assumption Catholic Cemetery
6933 Tomken Road, Mississauga, Ontario L5T 1N4

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