Virginia Clotilde Rebata's Obituary
Mom was like character out of a marvel or superman novel. She was strong, from growing up with 7 brothers and cousins, and one sister Blanca, she was feisty, as taught to her by her finest teacher, her Abuelita MacClovia. In her youth, Virigina saved a man’s life from drowning in the river. She was 12 years old and surrounded by adults that weren’t helping save the man. On that day, Virigina was the only person brave enough to dive in, drag him by her herself to the shore, and give mouth to mouth resuscitation, bringing him back to life. I don’t know where she would have learned to do something like that – There were no 4H clubs in Tumbes – but she did. And it was a point of pride for the rest of her life.
Viriginia’s greatest accomplishment was staying blissfully in love with my father Jorge Rebata, for 54 years until his passing in 2008. Jorge was an exceedingly intelligent, creative civil engineer whose career spanned 50 years of engineering marvels including freeways, mines, bridges, tunnels and other notable public works. He was funny as hell,and instilled a love of humor in his kids. Mom was a great straight man and laughed at all our jokes. Mom always held the fort down with four unruly teenagers while Dad came home with exotic souvenirs and tales of exploits in places like Ishfahan in Iran, or Norway, or China or Chile, or North Africa. Running a busy household, she also found time to work full time driving a book van for Catholic Social Services, and spend time with her kids.
Virigina passed away from the infirmities of old age and in that time, she was healthy, had no chronic illnesses, and was able to enjoy her extended family who adored her, and the occasional quick trip to TM Maxx to find treasures. Mom, you’re in us, and we’re in you, and we will be together always. Rest in Peace.
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