Jovita "Jovy" Lipana Sabado

jovita
Jovita Lipana Sabado

2/15/1940 - 3/27/2013

Jovy was born in a suburb of Manila, Philippines. She was the fourth child, second daughter, for a total of five children. She knew long suffering early in life as she was born with a congenital heart defect and in that early time exercised victory over death. Looking back on her life, I see an imperfect woman who loved God, walked in faith through many struggles and accepted the prosperity God had in store for her. Though she was limited physically, it never hindered her spirit. Her spirit and love for life was unsurpassed. God definitely still had plans to prosper her.

When she was under 10yrs. old, she and other children were playing in the field. One of the children picked up an old grenade left in the field from World War II and threw it to my mom to play catch. Her older brother, Braulio, 13yo, recognized the danger and intercepted to catch it. Unfortunately, it had inadvertently been activated in the toss and was fatal for him. Her next brush with possible death was when she was 16yo and had to undergo her first open heart surgery. These two instances touched her spiritually and she wanted to dedicate her life serving her Lord. She wanted to become a nun. But God obviously had different plans for her. Though she resisted at first, she dove head on into her life journey with my father and into motherhood with no regrets. Her victory over death continued when she was readmitted to the hospital the day after giving birth to me via Caesarian section. She had trouble breathing because of a blood clot that spread to her lungs. Her doctors didn't believe she would even survive the pregnancy because of her heart condition. During pregnancy, she also had to stop all her medications that kept her heart working optimally.

All her life she developed the habit of overcoming odds and always gave glory to her Father in heaven. She was able to put herself through three years of college and get herself out of poverty. She came to North America to start a new life. Raising me, she imparted her legacy of striving for perfection in everything, being humble before the Lord and being open for opportunities in the midst of failures. From my youth, she always told me that our Lord had great things in store for me, and she always prayed for me. We had our differences through the years and because both of us were strong willed, we clashed often. Whatever mistakes she made as mother pale in comparison to what she did right. She always prayed for me and I never questioned that she loved me. God picked the perfect mother for me.

She will always be remembered as someone who fulfilled her destiny in a world that did not plan on her surviving long past birth. But God held her in His hands and we were blessed with 73 years of her.

Mom, thank you for your last words to me, telling me that you loved me. Thank you for being a wonderful grandmother to Trevor and Alana. Thank you for being a good sister. Thank you for your good example of a good daughter taking care of her mother, my Lola, before she went to heaven. Thank you for your faithfulness and love for my dad and being a good example of how to fight for marriage, the strength and commitment it requires and never giving up on anything or anyone.

You have been blessed coming in and going out. You were clothed in strength and dignity. You were welcomed into heaven after a peaceful transition. Well done, good and faithful servant.

Her Life Celebration will be at our home this Easter Sunday at 4pm.

Those visiting her guest book are welcome to make donations or purchases on the following websites:

www.capitalcaring.org

This non-profit hospice agency was instrumental in supporting her and our family during her last two weeks in this world. We are so thankful for their caring staff.

www.amway.com/good1

Funds from purchases on this site go directly to a fund for her grandchildren. She always supported everything they wanted to do. Always encouraged them to follow their dreams and never accept limits placed on them.

Funeral Home:

Money & King Funeral Home

171 W. Maple Ave.

Vienna, VA

US 22180

View current weather.

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Mary, this is such a beautiful tribute to your mother. I only met her a few times, but I know you meant the world to her. She did such a wonderful job raising you and she will always be with you.

  2. Mary, I met your mother once many years ago when I picked up Nygel, my parents first and only dog. She was so kind and welcoming and no doubt did a great job making you who you are today. I am sorry for your loss.

  3. Mary: This is a beautiful tribute to your mom. What an extraordinary life she led! I’m sorry for your loss, but I’m so glad for all the time you had with her.

  4. Our condolences on your Mother’s passing. I love the way your words celebrate her life and appreciate what she gave to you. I know that you will miss her but it is heartwarming to know that she is God and you will be reunited someday. Peace to you and your family.

  5. Mary, your Mother is sitting with the Lord now. Now she and my mother will get to know each other well! I lost her 4 years ago. God bless you and your family in this hard time. All our love is with you all!

  6. Mary,Your Mom went back home with our creator.No more pain and suffering.She had a good life with a beautiful daughter and a loving husband,and 2 grandchildren and I am sure she is happy and peaceful back home with our Lord. Love, Auntie Nena

  7. Dear Mary, Our deepest condolences for you and your family! It was so evident that she was a fighter and appreciated life and served the Lord. Your wonderful mother is now in Heaven in the glory of God! Our thoughts and prayers are with you! With love, Mauricio & Daniela

  8. No parent could ask for more loving care than you gave to Jovy. Our thougts are with you during this time.

  9. Maripaz & Uncle Luis, my condolences and prayers are with you and your family. Your thoughtful and beautiful tribute to your mother embodied the many gifts of the heart and spirit and life shared between a mother and daughter. Her memory will forever sustain you.

  10. My condolences to you Mary and your family. I will always cherish the memories of the times we shared back in the days when our families would meet in Chicago and Skokie, IL.

  11. Dear Mary and family, I literally just heard of your dear mother’s passing and I am sending you my deepest heart felt condolences. May the God of all comfort grant you and yours comfort in the midst of your sorrow and grief. May He hold each one of you up in His mighty right hand; and may you receive His joy in your grief. My prayers are with you all. In His grace Audrey and family

  12. Dear Brother Luis, We received the trifold notice on Sister Jovy this afternoon. Would you believe – she (and of course you too) was in our thoughts a few weeks ago. We wanted to say hello but we did not have your latest contact information. She is now with the Lord. We will always remember the time we spent together in worship of God. Take good care of yourself. God bless you, your children, and their respective families. Edna & Norby Perrin


Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle

Accessibility Tools
hide