Aurora Bariuan Maddela passed peacefully in her home on February 13, after her two-year battle with cancer. She was born January 23, 1941, in Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines. Her parents, Romualda and Diego Bariuan, were Filipino immigrants, and she was the second oldest of seven. She met her would-be husband, Gary Maddela, in the neighborhood they both grew up in. They wed on November 10, 1967 and immigrated to the United States in 1984.

She went to Bagabag Elementary School then finished high school at St. Jerome’s Academy. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from St. Mary’s College and a master’s degree from University of Santo Tomas, Philippines. She worked as a teacher for 16 years. At the age of 79, Aurora achieved her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse by completing nursing school at Tennessee College of Applied Technology. As the oldest student in her class, she was well-regarded and was a true inspiration to all.

She relished being a mother to her three children: John, Michael, and Sheryl. Her children can attest to the fact that she had “the patience of a saint” and never lost her temper with them or even raised her voice. Always supportive and encouraging, always wise and kind, she was full of nothing but love and joy. While she was a mother to three, she was a mother to many of her nieces and nephews as she also helped raise them.

She loved gardening, cooking, sewing, quilting, cross-stitching, crocheting, interior design, playing the piano, entertaining, traveling, reading, learning and was an avid sports fan. She always sacrificed her needs for the good of her family. She will forever be known for her kindness, caring and warm heart, generosity, flawless style, delicious food, open arms, inspiration, words of wisdom, charm, grace and for being a hero to all. Aurora will be remembered as a selfless, altruistic wife and mother who always had a smile, even when times were tough. She had a quiet strength, never complained and always looked to a better future. Aurora had an amazing presence and her absence will be felt for eternity.

Aurora was ever calm and serene in her Catholic faith. Her character and temperament can be best shown from the time she was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer back in January 2020 until her passing into heaven. She loved and lived every moment she was given, neither hard times nor cancer would rob her of who she was. Aurora was always graceful, until God called her home.

Aurora is survived by her husband, Gary; son John, his wife Grace, son Michael, daughter Sheryl, her husband Christopher; grandchildren Anthony, Charis, Jerome, Diego, and Bodhi; her siblings Elsa, Consuelo, Carmen, Nelia, Ramon, and Nestor.

Visitation will be held at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Lenoir City on February 21, 2022, at 10:00 am with funeral service to follow at 11:00 am. Please feel free to attend if you would like to pay your respects.

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