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Devoted wife that
she was, Rosario "Charing" Pernia-Dejaresco, 85, bade farewell to her
charmed life to gift her beloved departed husband - Zoilo "Jun" Dejaresco,
Chronicle founding publisher-editor - the best present there is.
"Charing"
joined her anxiously-waiting "Jun" - just in time for them to celebrate
"Father's Day" today. This time, the soft-spoken Matriarch of the Bohol
Chronicle enterprises showed some flair for drama. A blessed reunion made in Heaven.
When
the Patriarch Chronicle Editor "Jun" wrote his last on June 8, 2002
- the critics thought the enterprise would crumble and die. They underestimated
the understated but powerful presence and the diligence she poured her energy
into some of the facets of Jun Dejaresco's management repertoire that held the
employees glued around the emblem of the Dejaresco enterprise.
She
was not just a symbol but an extension of "Jun's" dedication to the
twin media facilities.
Six
years and 6 days unto her role as Matriarch of the ship, "Charing" was
allowed to give up the ghost mid-morning yesterday at the Ramiro Hospital as she
succumbed to medical complications abetted by the weakness of old age.
But
her anticipated reunion with Jun will be a fitting reward - their second honeymoon
in Heaven - after ably holding the fort while he was away.
SURROUNDED
BY FAMILY
"Charing"
was surrounded at her death bed by the very people who witnessed her legendary
compassion and warmth "up close and personal" - her nine children and
some of the members of their immediate family. They came far and wide - the United
States, Manila, Cebu, Dumaguete and this city to stand by her up to the last breath
she took.
When
the competent and amiable team of doctors at the hospital, namely, doctors Bong
Angelito Lechago, Napoleon Nazareno, Mayda Ybañez, James Sombrio, Reuel
Relampagos, Edgar Pizarras, Romualdo Ruiz and family friend visiting doctor Claver
Ramos allowed the family members their "private moments" with the ailing
Matriarch Saturday dawn, we all knew the end was a matter of time. Individual
prayers were said for her.
The
final alarm was set at Saturday's breakfast time, when the Code DNR (Do Not Resuscitate)
was in play and the maximum medical dosage was in progress. All nine children
were able to deliver their "farewell" piece. They are: Ely, Chato, Bingo,
Malou, Bobong or Luis, Peter, Milet, Mamel and Kathy. A niece Kathlyn practically
grew up under her wings for many years. After a nephew Atty. Jay Dejaresco and
daughter-in-law Zarah spoke, she peacefully faded to her Creator and those who
went ahead of her to a Blissful Place Beyond - secured in the thought that she
left behind a united clan - ready to build years of the enterprise's fabled history
- dating back 54 years ago.
CIVIC
LEADER
Dejaresco
capped her years of conscientious civic leadership when she was awarded during
"Mother's Day" on May 14, 2006 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Manila
as the Ulirang Ina Awardee given by the National Mother's Day and Father's Day
Foundation Inc. led by the Honorary Chairperson Chief Justice Consuelo Santiago.
An
avid supporter of the Sunshine Home, she was President of the Catholic Women's
League from 1994-1996 and 1996-1998 as well as Tagbilaran City Host Lioness Club
President 1975-1977.
| | | A
member of the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP), she
also served during World War II at the Women's Auxiliary Service (WAS). The RP
tri-color wraps around her casket as a tribute to her courage and service during
the last war. Her demise came after being able to send some seminarians to priesthood
which brought her closer to the church.
Some
of Tagbilaran residents became her student since for years she was a piano teacher
and a teacher at the then St. Joseph Academy. | Interment
is set on Thursday right beside the tomb of her beloved Jun at the Dampas Catholic
Cemetery. A requiem mass and necrological rites at the St. Joseph Cathedral, 1
p.m. on Thursday precede the burial. | 
