Zenaida Avancena Luanzon

Zenaida Avanceña Luanzon passed away peacefully on Friday, May 9, 2025, at the age of 85 years. Her memory will be forever cherished and kept alive by those she loved.

Zenaida will be lovingly remembered by her children, Nanette and her husband Jerry Dacayo, Elizabeth and her husband Andy Inskeep, Roberto and his wife Pola Luanzon, and Marilen and her husband Orestes Bautista.

She was a proud and adored "Lola" to her grandchildren, Kristina Dacayo and Paula Dacayo, Jessica Del Mundo and Justine Del Mundo, Carlo Luanzon and Eric Luanzon, and Sofia Bautista and Gillian Abigail Bautista. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren, Matthew Gerald Garcia and Andrea Noelle Garcia (children of Kristina Dacayo), Ariella Rae Moss (daughter of Jessica Del Mundo), and Luna Estelle Ramos (daughter of Paula Dacayo). Zenaida is also survived by her dear brother, Rogelio Avanceña, and numerous other relatives and friends whose lives she touched.

She is now reunited with her beloved husband, Guillermo “Guillen” Magpantay Luanzon Jr., who predeceased her.

Born and raised in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, Philippines, Zenaida’s journey eventually led her to Quezon City, Manila with her growing family. Later in life, alongside her husband Guillen, she embraced new adventures, living in various cities across the United States and Canada, including British Columbia and Alberta, to be an active and loving presence in her grandchildren's lives.

Zenaida had a profound love for caring for life and seeing the beauty in all things. This was evident in the delicious meals she lovingly cooked for her family and friends, her tender care for her plants, and most notably, in her dynamic career built around her passion for exquisite jewelry. As she transitioned from her early work with the local water company in Manila, she picked up a natural flair for business by successfully owning and managing her own jewelry shop full-time until her retirement. The stunning earrings, rings, and necklaces that were curated and sold through her dedicated efforts and her shop will remain treasured keepsakes and a lasting symbol of her creativity, love, and the joy she found in sharing beauty with others.

Known for her kind-hearted nature and selfless faith, Zenaida possessed an uplifting smile that could brighten any room. She treated everyone she met with the utmost respect, effortlessly bridging any language barrier with her warmth. She was a woman of incredible strength and would do anything for her family, a testament to which was her endearing insistence that everyone who entered her home was well-fed. Her creative spirit, generosity, and unwavering devotion to her family defined her beautiful life.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff of the Neurology and Stroke Rehabilitation unit at Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary for their compassionate care of Zenaida during her final days.

A Funeral Mass to celebrate Zenaida's life will be held at Ascension Catholic Church, 1100 Berkshire Blvd NW, Calgary, AB on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Visitation will begin at 12:00 noon.

Following the funeral, Zenaida will be laid to rest alongside her husband at Gardens of Gethsemani Catholic Cemetery, 15694 32 Ave, Surrey, BC on Monday, May 26, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.