Pilar Roño Joel, 96 years-young, went home to be with the Lord, on January 04, 2014, at her home in Danvers, surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of the late Manfredo T. Joel, Sr., with whom she shared 62 years of marriage.
Pilar was born in her hometown, Calbayog City, Western Samar, Philippines. After her retirement as a school principal, she immigrated to Massachusetts in 1987. Six years later she was joined by her husband and lived in Topsfield for 21 years. As a widow, she spent her last 4 memorable years living in Danvers until her death.
“Mama”, as she’s fondly called by family and friends, was a woman who had passion for life, teaching, music, dancing; had a “contagious” sense of humor and a positive and cheerful outlook toward life. To top it all, she was known as a woman who loved God and demonstrated a life of faith and prayer which definitely made a solid impact on her family as a devoted wife and mother of ten (10) children. As she used to tell all her children – “I’ve never had any unanswered prayer in my lifetime” – so remarkably amazing!
She is survived by her children Miguel and wife Wilma (Philippines), Florencia and husband Donald Berrian of Topsfield, Romeo and wife Ellen (Canada), Clarita of Danvers, Emerita (Philippines), Manfredo Jr. and wife Gigi (Philippines), Ava (Philippines), Janet and husband Dante Perinal of Danvers, her 85 year-old youngest sister Josefa Togonon (Philippines), and several nephews, nieces, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9AM on Monday, January 13, 2014 in St. Rose of Lima Church, Park St., Topsfield. Burial will follow in Annunciation Cemetery, Danvers. Visiting Hours are Sunday from 3-7PM with a prayer service at 5PM at C.R. Lyons & Sons, Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Pilar’s name to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan St., Danvers, MA, 01923.