Irene Quiling Palongao's Obituary
Irene Quiling Palongao passed in peace at the age of 86 in her Kalihi home on July 20, 2022, from brain cancer. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Luneza, her husband, Soriano, her brothers, Juan, Julian, and Rodolfo, her sisters, Teodora and Emeteria, and her parents, Segundo and Damiana. Irene is a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunty, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Irene was born on October 20, 1935, in Langiden, Abra, Philippines. Irene attended school up until the 6th grade but had to fulfill familial duties tilling the family land, tending the livestock, and most importantly, caring for her younger siblings. At the age of 20, she married Soriano Palongao. In 1956, Irene gave birth to her first daughter, Felipa. Four years later, she birthed a second daughter, Luneza, but her youngest daughter died a week after birth. Irene and Soriano followed their daughter, Felipa, to the United States and moved to Hawai'i in September 1990. In Hawai'i, she was a factory worker and a gardener for a brief time. She became a full-time caretaker for her grandchildren and mother in Hawai'i and great-granddaughter in New York. She also babysat many children of friends and families throughout her lifetime. Irene dedicated her life to taking care of people, which was her true calling. She loved all of those she cared for. Those who have been under her care remember her as a lively, outgoing soul and an awesome chef, who made the best scrambled eggs, suman, and chicken adobo! Her love and spunkiness will truly be missed.
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