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A Celebration of Life |
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 (July 4, 1912 - June 10, 2004) |
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Heliodora was born on July 4, 1912 in Bauang, La Union. Her father died when
she was six months old and was later raised by her loving grandparents who
lived in Nueva Ecija when her
mother remarried. The young Doring, what she was fondly nicknamed, learned responsibility and entrepreneurship at a young age. She became self-sufficient by frequently traveling from the lowlands into Baguio to buy and sell valuable goods. Eventually, she decided to make Baguio her permanent home, and unknowingly, it is there that her legacy begins. Just outside of Baguio, Doring opened her first trading store in Tuding, Benguet. But most importantly, it was there that she met her loving husband – Ismael Castillo Udasco. Ismael was a recent graduate of the Philippine Normal College in Manila and a young, budding public school teacher. They fell in love and married on December 28, 1936. By 1941 Doring and Ismael had three children. Despite the peril of traveling from the lowlands to Baguio, Doring proved to be a successful mother and businesswoman by maintaining her trading store and caring for and protecting her family from the dangers of war. When the war subsided, Doring’s hard work and perseverance enabled her to purchase land on which she and Ismael built their home in 1946. The property is in Trancoville, Baguio City and the house still stands today. The house in Baguio saw four more Udasco children into the world. Ismael continued to further his career, and later became District Supervisor and a College Professor in Baguio Colleges and University of Baguio. Doring was also finding success in her business. Through it all they managed to support all seven children and an adopted son, through college. Though she, herself, never finished high school, she knew that one of the greatest gifts she could ever provide them was an education. Her children shared in her convictions, and today are all successful in their chosen endeavors. Despite the odds, Doring used her wits and determination to excel in the real estate industry and was one of the most distinguished brokers for Insular Life throughout the 60’s and 70’s. Doring came to the United States in 1965 so she could be closer to her children and grandchildren. She resided in New York, Virginia and Michigan with her children; she also traveled the world far and wide. In 1974 Doring and Ismael found residence in San Francisco. The misty fog, the bay, the scent of pine trees and blooming flowers all year was the perfect backdrop for them to spend their golden years because it reminded them so much of Baguio City. Heliodora Navarro Udasco led a fruitful life. She was compassionate and helped many of her friends and relatives in times of need. She taught all those who loved her countless things about life and how to live it. She inspired us to work hard and to strive for our dreams. She encouraged us to fight for something you believe in and to never give in. She instilled in us the power to respect and what it takes to be respected. She showed us how to be both strong and gentle; how to be kind and giving; that life is what you make it. Mama Doring’s legacy goes on. In every one of us, a little piece of her fire will keep us going for all our days. She was a devoted wife and friend, a revered grandmother and great-grandmother, but above all a caring and loving mother to her children who will miss her dearly. |
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