Teodora Cabot Casamina's Obituary
Teodora "Doring" Cabot Casamina was born on November 9, 1922 in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. She was the only child of Gregoria (Casil) and Simplicio Cabot. Her Mom, Gregoria, died during childbirth and Doring was raised by her father and Aunt Philomena Cabot.
Doring excelled in Math, Nursing and Home Economics throughout high school. She held the defensive position of center fielder for her high school soft ball team and was skilled in catching "fly balls."
During the Japanese occupation of the Philippines in 1942, Doring assisted in the medical camps. She worked alongside doctors to tend to the injured soldiers.
Amid the ravages of war that consumed the Filipino people, two hearts found their way to one another. Doring met the love of her life, the strong, masculine, handsome and personable Alexander Cadacio Casamina. They were wed on May 24, 1945. Wanting a better life for his bride of one year, Alexander immigrated to Hawaii with the last wave of "Sakadas." They were separated from one another for ten years before reuniting in Hawaii in 1955. Their enduring love blessed them with four daughters in quick succession.
Doring was a skilled seamstress for Panela Sportswear in Kalihi-Palama and Pomare Tahiti in Ala Moana. She also was employed at Tripler Medical Medical Hospital as a cafeteria worker. With her lifelong interest in the medical field and the desire to help others, she owned and operated a successful adult care home in Kalihi.
A devout Catholic and trusting in the plans of what God had for her children, Doring influenced and guided the lives of her daughters.
Eldest daughter, Tessie, inherited Doring's special touch in creating delectable Filipino dishes. As if to feed the multitude, Doring invited everyone to her humble kitchen table and prepared family favorites of pinakbet, pansit, adobo, and her award winning "royal bibinka" in which won her an award that was presented by then, Governor George Ariyoshi.
Second daughter, Elsie, bettered in the mastery of fashion design from Doring's meticulous sewing skills. Elsie, an instructor in Fashion Design at Honolulu Community College, acquired Doring's strict attention to detail and a keen eye for all things fashionable.
Lovely in her simplicity, Doring wore clothing prepared by her own hands. She sewed matching outfits for her girls. Beautiful floral prints in every hew of the rainbow were her fabrics of choice, especially the color red.
Blessed with a third daughter, Amelia operates an adult day care home. Amelia continues Doring's legacy of compassionate and empathetic care of others, especially the elderly, disables and individuals with health challenges.
Youngest daughter, Evangeline, like Doring, is a devoted mother of four daughters. Eva is also a grandmother of nine beautiful grandchildren. Doring was the home maker extraordinaire, proficient in every aspect of "domestic engineering." Doring also held he high honor of great-grandmother. Eva draws her strength from her children and grandchildren. She strives to provide for their needs with love, care and devotion, just as Doring did.
Doring enjoyed trips to Las Vegas, cities in California, and the Philippines; but her heart and mind was always of home and being with her family. Doring was always the "star" of family gatherings as she heartfully sang songs of yesteryear in chorus with the children. Reading, puzzles, and watching Korean Drams were other favorite past times.
Rarely with a frown, Doring's face was always emblazoned with her infectious smile. Bright eyed and adorable, her smile welcomed everyone into her world. Never a harsh word, soft and gentle was her voice as she'd lovingly say, "Hi Honey, come eat!"
As Alexander's health declined from his valiant fight with colon cancer, he and Doring were constant companions. Naughty at times, she was a source of great amusement and comfort to Alexander and the entire family.
In her Autumn years, as Doring was afflicted with dementia, her physicality did not diminish. Her daily walks with the neighborhood senior citizen patrol kept her sprightly and agile. As her memory was slowly challenged, Alexander had the brains and Doring, petite and strong, had the power. They truly complimented one another and compensated for each other's limitations.
In July and August of 2017, Doring was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and was admitted into the hospital. (She had never been into a hospital before and only to give birth to her children and for a minor surgery.)
The sunrise of Doring's darkest day, August 31, 2017, was kissed with orange hued rays that filled her room with pure light. Pure light surrounded Doring as she drew her last breath in the presence of her family and in the comfort of her home in Salt Lake.
Doring is in heaven now, welcomed by God and harkened by hosts of angels; with husband, Alexander, and beloved ones who preceded her in death. The are singing in harmony one of Doring's favorite songs, "I Remember The Time."
We shall remember you, our loving Doring. Haan mi nga malipatan daytoy sopapac mo kadakami ingana ken ingana...
Doring is survived by her daughters, Tessie (Cris) Pascua, Elsie Casamina-Fernandez (Mark), Amelia (Arnold) Cabatu, and Eva Casamina (Bobby Supnet); grandchildren, Charmaine Padilla, Armay Cabatu, Cherise Padilla, Charitite Padilla, Chasitie Padilla, Mark Anthony Fernandez, Laurell Pascua, and Chloe Fernandez; great-grandchildren, Alex Jayden Padilla, Charisma Omura, Jerry Padilla, Jheycee Domingo, Jaziah Ornellas, Johniah Ornellas, Jaxton Ornellas, and Jordyn Padilla.
Celebration of life services for Doring will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2017 at St. Philomena Catholic Church; visitation from 9:00 - 10:30 a.m., family service at 9:45 a.m., Mass to begin at 11:00 a.m., with burial to follow 12:30 p.m. at Valley of the Temples Memorial Park.
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