Tribute for Mommyla

Obituary

Rosita Llanes-Legaspi Escutin
August 16, 1947 - August 9, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Rosita Legaspi Escutin, unexpectedly, on the evening of Saturday, August 9, 2025, on her way home from attending a sacred mass for the Feast of Saint Filomena, at a chapel nearby her home.

Rosita, born August 16, 1947, was the third of five children to Teofilo and Maxima Legaspi and had four older siblings from Teofilo’s first marriage. After Consuelo, Teofilo’s first wife, passed away, Maxima raised all nine children together. From a young age, Rosita balanced school and work, showing a strong work ethic as a working student at Jacky Lane. Her early challenges inspired a lifelong dedication to her family. She loved deeply, caring for her daughter Kathy, nieces, nephews, and their children, often working overtime to support them all. Even on busy weekends, she made time for special moments like meals out or carnival rides with her family, reflecting her endless love and commitment.

In the late 1970s, Rosita found her passion for bowling while working at Maria Ong Enterprises in Barangay Saray. She quickly rose to fame, joining local and national tournaments. Recognized as the best female bowler in Iligan, she was recruited by the Pillsbury Company (now PILMICO) to join their Ladies Bowling Team. As a member of the Iligan Bowling Association, she won many trophies, including Champion Master at the 1979 Mindanao-Visayas Tournament and titles in Ilo-ilo and Butuan. Her exceptional performance, which included awards for Highest Pinning and Highest Singles, allowed her to provide crucial financial support for her family. Her kindness and empathy also shined at work, where she became a beloved mother figure to her colleagues.

Rosita was a devout follower of Saint Filomena and a passionate Christian leader who never missed a sacramental mass. She managed and helped rehabilitate her local roadside chapel, leading novenas for the Feast of Saint Filomena. Deeply devoted to the Holy Blessed Mary, she taught her grandchildren about faith. Her commitment to the church was a testament to the same hardworking spirit she displayed throughout her life. In her free time, she cared for her vegetable garden with great care and enjoyed singing and listening to favorite artists like the Beatles, Carpenters, and Abba.

Until her last breath, Rosita offered warmth and support, often sending encouraging messages and connecting even with relatives from across the miles. Her joyful personality and calming smile brought peace to everyone around her. Much like a flower in full bloom, Rosita's presence was a beautiful and calming influence on all who knew her.

Rosita loved traveling and first visited Singapore in 2013 with her daughter Kathy. She became grandma to Hugo (Huey) and Celeste (Celly). In 2017 and 2019, she visited Kathy in the USA to help care for Huey. Though she couldn’t visit again, she stayed close through video calls, bringing joy to her grandchildren who eagerly awaited her calls. Over the last six years, the kids would always get excited when the iPad rang because they knew it was their Mommyla calling. The kids loved her and looked forward to showing her and telling her everything they did and had.

Rosita was preceded in death by her parents, Teofilo and Maxima Legaspi, and siblings Vivencio (Sol Aguilar), Fermina (Consolador Daroy), Lydia (Jose Acha), Agripino (Roberta), Paquito (Diana Calahat), Rosalinda, Brenda, and Lorna. She is survived by her daughter Kathleen (Robin Kruse), grandson Hugo George, granddaughter Celeste Maxima, two brothers-in-law Cipriano and Edilberto, as well as nephews, nieces, and other grandchildren.

Though Rosita is gone, her spirit lives on through the kindness, joy, and care she shared. May her memory bring comfort to all who loved her.