Filomena's Guestbook


Kunal Variawa

Filomena, you were an amazing person with a great heart. Though I was only at Schulich for a few months under YUTA, I remember how I always passed by the Economics area to say hi and I was always met with your smile and positive energy. We would talk about the Raptors and share some great laughs.
You helped brighten up my day during my time there.
We will miss you dearly.

Graeme Deans

So sad to hear about Filomena's passing - I have such fond memories of working with her over the past 14 years. She welcomed me from the first day I began teaching at Schulich and she was one of the most proactive, professional people I have ever met. She was a problem-solver, and no challenge was ever too great for her. We shared a love of food (her Lumpia were delicious!) and she was so proud of her grand-daughter in Germany - I always loved seeing the most recent batch of photos and news! I will miss you, Filomena - rest in peace.

Mark Kamstra

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Filomena. I could always count on a friendly smile or a wave when I needed one just by leaning through her open office door. If I needed to steal paper for our copy machine I knew she would only laugh as I popped in and out of the econ supplies room. If I needed a breakout room for a lunch or meal with colleagues I could always impose on her for the econ room. She was firm and no nonsense, sure, but also kind and cheerful. I will miss her greatly.

George Yang

You were such so nice and kind at Schulich. I could not believe you left us. Hope you are as happy in another world as you were with us!

Lorna Wright

This is such sad news. My heart goes out to her family, and to all of us in her Schulich family. She was such a big part of Schulich life, I can’t quite believe she is gone – that I’ll never hear her laughter again, listen to her jokes, or learn the latest news of the happenings at Schulich. She was the first person I met when I arrived at Schulich twenty odd years ago. She was the one who ferried me to and fro from the hotel I was put up in to my interviews at the then Faculty of Administrative Studies. She gave me much valuable advice on navigating the admin structure at Schulich as I was finding my feet, and ever after I could call on her for help, which she gave generously. Even though I was in a different area, she made me an honorary Econ member. She knew I had a sweet tooth and it was a running joke between us that she would bring me the ultimate dessert from the Philippines, “Food for the Gods”. Somehow the time was never quite right – and now it never will be. Rest in peace Filomina. You deserve to be among the angels, but your absence here below leaves us bereft.

Minerva Cernea

I have so nice memories about Filomena. We had many talks, she was always happy, friendly, ready to help. A kind and beautiful human being. We were talking about our children and grandchildren, and she was so proud of her family. She touched my life with grace, living behind a beam of light. Condolences and peace be with her and her beloved family.

Theo Peridis

A sweet face. a generous smile, a gentle and lively presence, one of the dearest members of the Schulich community that so many of us counted on for a sympathetic ear and a selfless counsel.

Yisong Tian

I don't have the words to express how I felt after the Detlev's message about your passing, Filomena. You have been such a constant at Schulich that I have never even entertained the thought that I wouldn't see your smiles any more. You were one of the first people I have ever met at Schulich since I was an MBA student, then a PhD student and finally a faculty member. You were always ready to help, no matter who was seeking help from you. I always enjoyed chatting with you and Jennifer, especially when the two of you joking about winning the big prize and coming to Schulich in a heli. It always made me laugh. It's been truly an honor to have known you and interacted with you over the last 30 years. You will be missed. RIP.

Denise Dunbar

Filomena, you are a wonderful light to Schulich School of Business. Surround yourself with the light of love and positive energy. Declare your healing and have faith in the miracles the universe can produce. I believe and so should you! Sending love your way.

H. Ian Macdonald

I came to York University as President in 1974 and met Filomena at a University function not long after her own arrival. That day seems like yesterday and I think of her as a dear friend as contacts increased, particularly after my "retirement" when I had become her neighbour down the second floor corridor north of the Schulich Building. My deepest condolences to her family and countless friends.

Ian Macdonald

Michelle Hughes

My deepest condolences to Filomena's family, friends, and colleagues. May her memory be a blessing. What a beautiful legacy she has left at Schulich and her community. The last time I saw Filomena, she allowed me to use the board room for an Admissions Interview and she proudly shared pictures of her family. She will be missed!

Sharon Chisholm

Filomena was one of Schulich’s original OG Admins, and ruled over Econ as the consummate “goddess” and professional that she was. Filomena was the soul of support when my son was critically sick and was a beloved “auntie” forever after. Her warmth will be sorely missed and I wish her family strength during this hard time and the blessing of happy memories.

Ashwin Joshi

Filomena had such a wonderful, warm, and generous spirit. I have lovely memories of sharing holiday lunches with her at the Schulich dining hall. I am so sorry to hear this sad news. My condolences to her family.

Lucilla Peter

Filomena was a very sweet person, cheerful & light hearted.
she is with full of energy & ready to help anyone in need. She was a leader as well as a casual friend. I came know Filomena thru' my friend at SSB. I will miss her very much. May her soul rest in peace.

Henry Kim

When I first started at Schulich and we were in the old building, Economics was pretty close to our area so I would have nice conversations with Filomena. She was so friendly and helpful. In fact, I had driven on the grass to get to campus to avoid the strikers and they had put spikes in the ground and so I got a flat tire. Filomena lent me her CAA card so I could get my tire changed. Plus I was told that Filomena was really really knowledgeable and she knew everything. The other thing I remember about Filomena was how proud she was of her daughter and her accomplishments. After moving into the new building, I didn't see her as often, but when I did she always gave me a status update and it was really nice to hear. She will truly be missed.

Magda Szaki

It was a privilege to have worked with Filomena for 30 years. She always had a smile and was full of life. My heartfelt sympathies to her family.
Magda Szaki

Elisa Morera

I was so sad to hear of Filomena's passing. I work at the York Bookstore, and Filomena always came to us for help with textbook inquiries. She was always so kind and so supportive of me and the team here. She always made the day a little brighter. She will be greatly missed.

Jennifer Fernandez

I was deeply saddened to hear of Filomena's passing away. I never ever expected such an untimely death of our dear colleague and friend. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Filomena was a close friend and great colleague to work with. She had a great sense of humor and was always joyful with a positive attitude towards life. She was an incredible and generous person with a heart of gold. She was like family ever ready to assist anyone in time of need. She will live on in our hearts forever. May God grant her eternal rest and may her soul Rest in Peace.

Eli Prisman

I have known Filomena for over 30 years. We used to talk in the corridor
about our families and children and her family member tat resides in Israel.
She was always very kind and ready to help and remember the names of
my children and my wife.
I will miss her greatly

Cindy Zhuang

You are always kind and smiling. You worked very hard. At the outbreak of the Pandemic, all YUSA staff were allowed to work from home. However, you still came to the campus to work. You will be missed.

Bev Kelbert

I am so very sorry for the loss of your wonderful wife , mother and grandmother.
Filomena was a beautiful lady who always had time for you and made everyone feel welcomed.
I have good memories of happy times with Filomena, when we talked about our kids and her grandkids, had our pot lucks and just chatted about life.
I still expect to see her in her office when I walk by, I will miss her beautiful soul.

Kathleen Welsby

My deepest condolences to Filomena's family. She was an extremely proud grandmother and I always enjoyed sharing grandchildren updates whenever we had the chance to catch up. We will all miss her warmth and infectious smile. I'm sorry I won't be able to attend the memorial, I will be away, but I will be thinking of you all.

BERNARD WOLF

I am extremely sad to hear of Filomena’s passing.
It was always a pleasure to see her welcoming smile every morning as I walked past her open office door or stopped to chat (sometimes to see the latest photos of her grandchildren). She always called me Dr. B. (and I, in turn, usually called her Mrs. T).
Filomena was a good friend and colleague.
Over the last four plus decades, together we met lots of challenges and had lots of fun. Her loyalty to the members of the Economics Area has always been extraordinary. She was often the glue that held the Area together.
Filomena always loved parties and she made sure that every year, we (in the north wing of the second floor) had a delightful Christmas gathering.
Filomena added a lot to Schulich. She will be greatly missed.
Bernie Wolf

Menglin (Mary) Bai

Dear Filomena,

It has been a great pleasure to know you and work with you. I still remembered the first time that we met each other in person back to Dec 2019 in the pot luck event. You made me felt so welcomed to the event and you have organized that event so well. It was my first time attend the event but you are so enthusiastic and made me feel like I have belong to the Schulich family for a long time.

You will be greatly missed!

Menglin

Nicola Jagdeosingh

My sincerest condolences for you all at this time. I will cherish the many wonderful memories I have of Filomena. She will be greatly missed.
Regards,
Nikki