Obituary of Leticia de Regla Santos

On October 22, 2020, Leticia de Regla Santos, aged 76, departed peacefully in the comfort of her home, surrounded by the love of her family. She will be cherished by her daughters Mary Ann and Mary Ellen and her partner David. Mom is now in the warm embrace of her already departed parents, siblings and her baby son in heaven. She will be fondly remembered by her brother and sister Ruel and Rebecca, her grandson Isaac, a large extended family and network of friends. Despite being abruptly diagnosed with Stage 4 in 2015, Mom made cancer wait for five full years while she was busy living her life and realizing her goals. Mom was incredibly strong and willful. Not just in the last few years against cancer, but in all things and for all of her life, she refused to submit to circumstance. She emigrated from the Phillipines and moved to Canada, barely able to speak the language. Not content with the factory work available to immigrant women in the 70's, she got her degree in Dietetics from the University of Manitoba in 1982. Then for decades after, as a registered dietician in Ontario, she gently scolded patients and total strangers alike into eating better. In retirement, she bought a sprawling farm, and over the next several years, transformed it into a beautiful pastoral sanctuary. Mom did not believe in idle hands, and while skilled at sewing and crocheting, her great passion was her garden. She had an affinity for all growing things. She could nurture a seed into a tree, or coax a dying plant to become lush and verdant again. Our Mom lived a quiet but purposeful life, and the day she died, a great force ceased to be. Rest well Mom. Don't worry. You raised us to be strong and we are. We love you. In a private ceremony, Mom's life will be remembered and honored. Our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Scher for his compassion and honesty, Dr. Leighl and the Princess Margaret for their tenacity in fighting cancer, Nurse Alex for his caring and constancy, and all the nurses and dedicated PSW's who made it possible to care for Mom at home. In lieu of flowers or condolences, please consider donating to a worthy cause, or, as Mom often did, lend a helping hand to the people in need around you.