In Loving Memory of a Beloved Mother:

It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that I announce the passing of my dear mother, Violet Catambay.  

My mother peacefully left this world on June 22nd, 2023. The woman I loved so deeply left behind a legacy of love, strength, and generosity. She was a remarkable woman whose presence brightened the lives of all who knew her. She possessed a resilient spirit and a kind heart, forever eager to lend a helping hand to those in need.

Mom had an innate ability to find joy in life's simplest pleasures. Whether it was preparing and savoring delicious meals, enjoying sports games such as basketball, football, tennis, and the Olympics, appreciating beautiful interior design, holding heartfelt conversations, or sharing jokes and laughter, she held dear every moment spent with those she loved. She had an extraordinary capacity to spread good cheer. Her warm laughter filled our home, and her vibrant personality illuminated our lives.

As I mourn the loss of my mother, I take comfort in the memories we shared, the lessons she imparted, and the unconditional love that will forever resonate within me. Though the void left by her absence is immeasurable, I find solace in the knowledge that she is at peace.

My mother will be dearly missed by us all. Her impact on our lives is immeasurable, and her memory will be forever etched in our hearts. In this time of mourning, we gather together to celebrate her life, a life that touched so many. We remember the laughter, the love, and the joy that my mother brought into our lives.

Her love and support were integral to the foundation upon which our family flourished, and her absence will be keenly felt by all.

May you rest in eternal peace, Nanay. You will forever be cherished and loved.

Love you to infinity,

Nessa

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OBITUARY

Violeta "Violet" L. Catambay

09.22.1946 - 06.22.2023

Born in the Philippines on September 22nd, 1946, Violet was the eldest of nine children. A family of very meager means, my mother served as the "third parent" throughout her early years, eventually becoming the breadwinner,  providing both guidance and financial support. She embraced the bond of family, cherishing the relationships and memories shared with immediate family and relatives. Family meant everything to my mother. Her legacy of generosity and resilience will forever serve as a guiding light, inspiring generations to come.

As a young teen, Violet cooked with her mother, Lydia, and sold food in the streets to make ends meet. In her later teen years, she began her modeling career, and eventually got into pageantry, becoming crowned Miss Manila in 1966, and Miss Press Photography in 1967. Through her diplomatic assignment of improving the Manila library system, the Mayor sent her to California to observe their library system and best practices to be emulated back home. Not long thereafter, she met her soon-to-be husband, Rex Catambay, MD. Once wed, Violet moved to Danbury, Connecticut, where she resided for 11 years. 

On February 6, 1976, Violet was the first of her family to become a US citizen. 

She was pre-deceased by her husband, and eventually moved to NYC and served in administrative support roles in the Finance. In 1985, she met her daughter's father and had Vanessa in May. As a single mom, they lived throughout NYC, as well as Ft. Lauderdale, FL. During this period, Violet took on roles in the domestic arts and hospitality, eventually becoming a Private Chef for high net worth families in Manhattan, the Hamptons and Nantucket. In 2008, Violet's serious health challenges began, causing her to retire. In 2013, she began what would become her 10 year journey as a dialysis patient. In 2014, she later moved with Vanessa and her son-in-law, John, to Clifton, NJ. 

Throughout her life, my mother held true to her heritage because of her deep love for the Philippines. She was proud of her roots and felt great affection for the traditions and culture of her homeland, which colored every aspect of her life. She often sent money back to relatives to help them with purchasing property, and paying for utility bills, medication, clothes, supplies and education. Moreover, she made sure to help her daughter understand her privilege, imparted empathy for the poor, and taught her generosity.

While dialysis gave her another lease on life, it was not without its challenges. Nonetheless, Violet was always so thankful for the care from her dialysis center staff at Fresenius Montclair, who took such great care of her throughout the years. They played a huge role in her life and her daughter is eternally grateful for their expertise and kindness, as well as those of all of her various other healthcare providers.

As mentioned, she was pre-deceased by her husband, Rex, as well as her parents, Lydia and Dominador Sr., and her siblings Dominador "Ricardo" Jr., Rosemarie "Ine," Dominador "Boy" Jr., and Jeannie.  She is survived by her daughter, Vanessa, and son-in-law, John, as well as her siblings Florcerfina "Bobsie," Florserfina "Neneng," Dominador "Buddy" Jr., and Marites, as well as her several and beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. 

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