Leocadia B. Espino

Leocadia “Ading” Batacan Espino, aged 80, died peacefully in Orlando, Florida on July 7, 2014. Ading was born on December 9, 1933 in Bay, Laguna, Philippines. She was the youngest of the six children of the late Celestino Batacan and Silveria Batacan (nee Dela Cruz). Ading was married to the late Arturo Enrico Baenziger Espino. Born and raised a Catholic, throughout her life, Ading was a woman who lived a life based on her very strong faith. She was a parishioner of the Quiapo Catholic Church in Manila, Philippines, the Cathedral Shrine and Parish of the Good Shepherd in Fairview Park, Quezon City, Philippines, the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Bayside, NY and the St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Orlando, FL. While working in New York City in the 1990s, she attended daily mass, alternating among Saint Patrick Cathedral, Saint Anthony Catholic Church, Saint Francis Catholic Church, and Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church. A well-travelled woman, Ading pilgrimaged to Lourdes France, Rome Italy , and the Holy Land. Ading was the Executive Secretary for the Philippine Undersecretary of Agriculture in the early 1970's and was an Assistant to the Social Secretary for the Office of the First Lady Imelda Marcos in Malacanang Palace, Manila between the late 1970's to early 1980's. Ading is survived by her son, Arturo (Tess); her two daughters, Ma. Elizabeth (Arnold) and Ma. Evangeline (Ray); her two grandchildren, Anthony Ray and Dustin Arnold; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and friends. Ading was pre-deceased by her son, Jose Antonio Espino. A Vigil Service for Ading will be held on Monday, July 14th, between 5 PM-8 PM at “A Community Funeral Home”, 910 W. Michigan St., Orlando. A Funeral Mass will be offered for the happy repose of Ading's soul on Tuesday, July 15th, at 10 AM at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 6200 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando. The Rite of Committal will occur immediately after at the Osceola Memory Gardens, 1717 Old Boggy Creek Rd., Kissimmee. Reverend Father George Nursey will preside at the Funeral Mass and Rite of Committal. Reverend Father Bernard Fernando will concelebrate at the Funeral Mass. A lunch reception will follow at the St. John Vianney Catholic Church Social hall.

Leocadia B. Espino

December 9, 1933 - July 7, 2014