Lety and Claudio Baraquio (Courtesy photo)
A REMEMBRANCE
Rigolette “Letty” Perez Baraquio was an amazing God-fearing/loving homemaker, educator, philosopher, disciplinarian, business owner, mother to 10 children, and lover to her husband Claudio (also known affectionately to us as “Claude”). From the outside looking in, everyone, including us and our family, wanted to be part of the Baraquio ohana.
Letty was an inspiration: She had a deep faith and love for the Catholic Church and served the people of God in her parishes and every organization she joined. She raised her children to love God and others and to fully participate in the liturgy and music ministry from St. Michael’s in Waialua to Sacred Heart in Makiki. She strengthened our commitment to the daily rosary by sharing continual stories about how her prayers to the Blessed Mother were being answered. Her 10 children (Cecilia, Jerome, Lucy, John, Therese, Bernadette, Rose, Angela, Albert and Gloria), their spouses, and 17 grandchildren continue her legacy by showing compassion for others, bringing beautiful music to the world, and sharing their gift of faith.
Letty was challenging: Letty had such strong values and a firm spiritual compass. To say that she would strive for perfection herself and expect that of others is an understatement! Letty’s accomplishments include running successful businesses; dedicating her time, talent and treasure to parish and social ministries; and raising children who, one after another, have devoted their lives to bettering the lives of others.
Letty was love: We first met Letty and her husband, Claudio through their involvement in Worldwide Marriage Encounter. They were truly a couple that modeled the phrase “Living in Love.” Letty was a visible example of having Christ as the center of her relationship with Claude. That kind of love was so evident and attractive that others were always drawn to them. This love included many sacrifices, especially leaving Honolulu, a place she treasured, and moving back to Claude’s birth home in the Philippines that was far, far away from her children and their families. This love included unbearable sorrow, especially with the passing of her son, Albert. Her support and encouragement for us when we were in a time of need even included her willingness to nurse one of our children. She seemed to have a magical way to know our needs and reach out even when we didn’t ask.
Letty’s pearls of wisdom: Never go to bed angry. Touch toes to toes and nose to nose when you go to bed at night — no matter how upset you are.
Claude frequently said that marriage is not a 50/50 relationship, but 100/100 and Letty whole-heartedly agreed.
Letty always said Love is a Decision, and not just a romantic feeling.
She loved to pray the rosary, and she believed this daily practice would surely get her to Heaven. We are absolutely convinced that it did work for her and our memorial to Letty is that we will follow in her footsteps.
Rest in Peace, Rigolette. Love, Ed and Betty Coda
Rigolette Perez Baraquio died on Aug. 14 in the Philippines
