Yolanda "Irene" Loveras Zamora's Obituary
Yolanda “Irene” Loveras was born on July 31, 1962, to Mabina Perez, a housewife, and Federico Loveras, a boiler room operator, in Sucat, Muntinlupa City, Philippines. She was the youngest of five children. She is survived by her mother, her husband Solomon, her two children Maria Criselda and John Zamora, her sisters Dorothy Tabora and Cherrie Coruña, as well as other relatives and friends. Growing up as the youngest in a working-class family, my mother found joy in the simple things in life, such as playing outside with her neighborhood friends, traditional Filipino dancing, and she had a boundless appetite for delicious food. She loved spending time with her family in the Philippines, who always looked forward to hearing about her journeys abroad. Family was always important to her. After earning a Bachelor’s in Business Administration in 1985 from the University of the East, she traveled to the Northern Marianas Islands, a U.S. territory. While a cashier there, she met Solomon Zamora, a sushi chef, and they officially married on May 1st 1991. She created a family of her own, becoming a mother to Maria Criselda that same year and to John Michael in 1994. Those who had the opportunity to know her can attest to her humble simplicity, devotion to God and family, kind spirit, and desire to make a positive impact on each person she interacted with—if you stopped by our house you would see that it is filled with things our family does not need. My mom saved so many things, including toys for children who would stop by the house, occasions that have yet to come, and things she wanted around because it made her happy to give away. My mother, as gentle as she appeared on the outside, was also the toughest one in the family. She traveled cross-country, raising a family without a solid foundation. Not only did she brave the harsh winters of Rhode Island and sweltering summers of Illinois, but she also somehow managed to calm two teenage storms within her own household. She provided endless support to our father throughout the toughest times. Her strength and courage can be further confirmed during her battle with cancer. No matter how much pain she had, she pushed herself to walk as much as she could every day, she fought through every procedure and surgery, all while making sure her husband, children, and other family members were taking care of themselves. To us, our mother represented the best of humanity. She is a reflection of the best in all of us. She was simple, faithful, and exceptionally kind. She taught us empathy and showed us understanding. She taught us how to laugh when times were tough. She was the light that brightened every room. Our mother embodied kindness through all her actions. The love and support our friends and family have given us show how powerful my mom’s kindness was. Growing up in the Catholic faith, my mother converted to nondenominational Christianity when we were younger. She devoted her life to Jesus after we moved to America. Everyone close to her can attest to her relentless pursuit of sharing the Lord. Until her final days, she prayed each night. The Holy Spirit was always something she felt and wanted to share with her friends and family. She was the strongest person we know, and she left everything to the Lord. Our mother was our universe. We’ll always hear echoes of everything she taught us, like to stand up straight, always brush your teeth, never eat alone, have patience, be strong, and always be kind to others. We know that even though we may be apart for now, that she will still always be there for us because her love for us is stronger than this divide. My mother may not be here but she lives through each of us. I miss you, Mom, and I love you more than infinity.
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