Her Life Video Slideshow
Lourdes Cabael was born on February 11, 1942, in Calbayog, Philippines, to Francisco and Juliana Roma. She was the youngest of twelve children: Pablo, Benedicto, Fernando, Quirino, Cipriano, Vincente, Bienvenida, Joseph, Luz, Domingo, and Antonio. Juliana and Francisco raised their children—except Joseph and Antonio, who died in infancy—to value education and live a life rooted in faith.
Named after Our Lady of Lourdes, Lourdes truly lived up to her name and her parents’ hopes. She was elected valedictorian of her high school graduating class and later earned her Teaching Degree from Christ the King College. Stylish, elegant, and intelligent, Lourdes had many admirers. On her mother’s advice, she became engaged to Rodolfo Cabael, the best friend of her favorite brother, Domingo. They married in 1966 and soon welcomed two daughters, Felian and Lounacitas.
In 1972, Rodolfo moved to Canada to establish roots under the sponsorship of Lourdes’s brother, Vincente. Lourdes and their two young daughters immigrated the following year. Through determination and hard work, the family built a secure life in Vancouver. In 1975, they were blessed with a third daughter, Lorelei, and in 1977, Lourdes and Rodolfo officially became Canadian citizens. Their family grew again in 1982 with the birth of their fourth daughter, Rouella.
Lourdes began her career as an elementary school teacher, proudly sharing her Filipino heritage with her students. She later transitioned to a long career with Canada Post, providing financial stability for her family. She purchased the well-known “Surrey House” by negotiating a rent-to-own agreement. The Surrey House became a safe haven—not only for her daughters, but also for many relatives. Lourdes welcomed nieces, nephews, and extended family unconditionally, helping them establish new lives in Canada.
Over the years, Lourdes and Rodolfo’s family grew to include sons-in-laws and eight grandchildren. In retirement, Lourdes devoted herself to the things she loved: playing the piano, mahjong, interior decorating, gardening, thrifting, and spending time with her grandchildren. She and Rodolfo were fortunate to travel, with highlights including a Holy Tour of the Holy Land and a visit to the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in France.
Guided by both intellect and faith, Lourdes served the Catholic community tirelessly. She served for several consecutive years as President of the Gimilami Association (Filipino Christian Society of BC). Even at 82 years old, she continued to volunteer with the Legion of Mary, caring for those in need.
In May 2025, Lourdes was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. After two brain surgeries, she suffered a stroke, and doctors advised there was no hope for recovery. Hundreds of relatives, friends, fellow Christians, and Filipinos around the world prayed for her, and she miraculously regained consciousness and mobility. The family was blessed with another seven months with her before she passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 14, 2026, at Crossroads Hospice in Coquitlam.
Lourdes was surrounded by loved ones every hour until her final breath. She is survived by her sister, Sister Luz Roma; her daughters and sons-in-law—Felian; Lounacitas and Francesco; Lorelei and Joelorie; Rouella and Erich; and her grandchildren: Felicia, Athena, Francesco, Genevieve, Kaizen, Jaxen, Sophia, and Maddox. The legacy she leaves behind is greater than she ever knew, and she now has received the eternal reward she always hoped for—reunion with her Maker in heaven.