Obituary of Rosita Maldia Bravo

Rosita Maldia Bravo, loving mother of Reymond Bravo and Irene Bravo-Kremer, passed away peacefully on July 21st, 2025 at her home in Bradford, Ontario (Canada) at 81 years of age.

Rosita, whose husband Damian died at the age of 48, guided her children through their emergence into adulthood in her home in the Philippines. As the eldest of seven siblings, she grew to be a matriarchal figure, providing leadership and guidance to family and friends alike. She became affectionately known as “Nanay” to many because of her maternal approach and she was known to be trustworthy and supportive to all who confided in her.

Rosita was strong in her faith, developing a close relationship with God and Mary through devotions such as the Holy mass and the rosary. She faithfully offered flowers to Mary every month of May since she was a child. When passing by the local church, she always went in for quiet prayer before running errands. She made sure that her children had opportunities to grow in faith, taking them to Catholic school and bringing them to mass weekly.

Rosita was a homemaker all her life, displaying expertise in household management. She was an excellent cook, preparing authentic Filipino dishes with her own creative touch, often serving large numbers of relatives during reunions at her mother’s house in the province. She was also a capable gardener, cultivating orchids with her husband and harvesting fruits and vegetables in her backyard garden. Above all, she was a peacemaker in the family, valuing everyone’s contributions and respecting their feelings.

Music was one of her favourite pastimes in the latter years of her life, listening attentively to songs on the TV or family and friends singing as she tapped a beat and often sang along. She was able to sing beautiful harmonies despite her cognitive decline and music gave her the ability to connect with her caregivers and keep her mind active.

Rosita is the widow of the late Damian Domingo Bravo, and is survived by her son Reymond (son Rafael), her daughter Irene, her son-in-law Thomas Kremer (daughter Louisa Marie) and her siblings Rodolfo, Alberto, Armando, Gloria, and Estelito. She is preceded in death by her parents, Marciana and Santiago, and her brother Efren.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Ontario Health at Home, St. Elizabeth Health Care, and Bayshore HealthCare, whose staff provided expert and compassionate support throughout her battle with Alzheimer’s disease.  

Memorial service will be held at Holy Martyrs of Japan Catholic Church, 167 Essa St., Bradford on Monday, July 28 at 2 p.m. Burial will follow at Holy Martyrs of Japan Catholic Cemetery. 

The memorial mass will be livestreamed on Monday, July 28 at 2 p.m. Livestream Link