Rowena Gatila Obituary
In Loving Memory of

Rowena Lim (Gatila) Charette

1962 - 2022

Obituary of Rowena Lim (Gatila) Charette

Passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at The St. Catharines General Hospital on July 5, 2022 after a long battle with breast cancer. Loving partner and best friend to Andy Charette, mother to Cerena Joy Gatila and Aiden Charette, cherished daughter of Leonardo Lim and daughter-in-law to Andrew and Geraldine Charette. Rowena will be dearly missed by her brothers Terry Lim (Rose), Bong Lim (Cora) and her sisters-in-law Lisa and Robin (Darren). She is fondly remembered by several nieces and nephews.

Rowena was born in Manila, Philippines. She graduated from college in Quezon City, Philippines in 1987, and moved to Toronto, Canada in 1989. In 2002, Rowena met the love of her life and moved to Welland, Ontario. Rowena took pride in being a hard worker. She worked in various roles throughout her lifetime but eventually found her passion in working with seniors at Lookout Retirement and Season’s Retirement homes. She had a reputation of being a sweet, kind and compassionate caregiver who always went above and beyond to ensure her residents were well taken care of. Rowena was a beautiful, gentle and generous soul. She loved animals, karaoke, watching baseball and hockey, weekend movies, and sharing her love for cooking. She was an excellent cook who often treated her loved ones with homemade Filipino dishes, banana bread and spring rolls. The family would like to say a sincere thank you to staff at the St. Catharines General Hospital. Special thank you to Deb and to all of the nurses in the Medical Oncology Department. The kindness and compassion shown to Rowena and our family at this time was greatly appreciated.

As per Rowena’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Arrangements have been entrusted to Essentials Cremation and Burial Services (905-354-2133) A celebration of life will take place on July 17, 2022 from 2pm-6pm at the Community Hall, Welland Arena. We ask that attendees wear white to honor Rowena.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Breast Cancer Society of Canada. Online condolences may be shared to Rowena's tribute page found at EssentialsNiagara.com.

Service Information

A Celebration of Life

Date: July 17, 2022
Start Time: 2:00 pm
End Time: 6:00 pm
Venue: Community Hall, Welland Arena
501 King St, Welland, ON L3B 3K4
https://goo.gl/maps/ShWbxUpUBDvKJvdx8


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Lisa
1 year ago

I miss you.

Cindy Perley
1 year ago

Dear Andy and family,
I pray for peace, healing, and comfort for you all. My heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult time. I had the honour of meeting and caring for Rowena. She was truly a beautiful, shining light.

In loving memory ...
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Rhonda and Mike Lammert
1 year ago

Dear Cousin,

We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our words will not take away the pain but the memories you have will bring her back to you each time you search them. You will never forget the love you had, the smiles you shared and the strength you gave each other. She will always be there with you. Cherish the fact that she was in your life, and for that you will always be a loved.

Our deepest sympathies,

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Pauline and Barry Hopson
1 year ago

Remembering Rowena as a kind and loving soul. We met at our grandsons baseball, enjoyed her banana bread. In the last years she lovingly cared for my father in Seasons.
Only the good die young they say, and a kind soul has flown to heaven.
Condolences

The Hyde Family
1 year ago

Dear Andy & family,,
So sorry to hear of Rowena’s passing….she was such a kind and caring person. She was so sweet in the years we shared with baseball….even gracing us with the occasional banana bread. She also was a caregiver to a family member at Seasons and always greeted us with a smile and knew just how to care for him with kindness and compassion. It is truly a loss to many…..
Thoughts are with you,
Julie, Harold & Alex Hyde

Gatila family
1 year ago

Rowena, Rest In Peace with our Lord Jesus Christ. You may be gone but your memories will always be with us.
Andy, CJ and Aiden; our deepest sympathy with you all but we want you all to remember that we’re family, so we’re always here for each other.
Love from all Gatila family

Lindsay Randall
1 year ago

You will always be in my heart. It was an honour to know you Rowena. You were a very special person and a wonderful caregiver ! My thoughts go out to the family

Alisha Bassindale
1 year ago

Will miss you every single day…. Love you Row❤️

Viletel Family
1 year ago

Sending our most heartfelt condolences for your loss.

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Breast Cancer Society of Canada
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