nwasianweekly.com
July 5, 2008

Emma Floresca Lawsin, matriarch of Filipino community, dies at 81

By Staff
Northwest Asian Weekly

Emma Floresca Lawsin died June 20 at the age of 81. A prominent member of the local Filipino American community, Lawsin will be remembered for her devoted community service.

Lawsin arrived in Seattle from Tondo, Manila, Philippines, in 1960. She later became the owner of Orient Pacific Travel Agency. She was also a dedicated volunteer and received an award as the longest-serving council member of the Filipino Community of Seattle — she was first elected to the council in 1968. During the 1970s, she helped institute the Bingo fundraisers at the Filipino Community Center that paid off the FCC’s mortgage. She also directed the FCC’s Senior Nutrition Program for many years.

She was also a past president of the Philippine War Brides Association and VFW Women’s Auxiliary Seattle Post #6599. She was a Eucharistic minister and founding member of the Filipino American Guild at St. Edwards and a member of several other organizations, including the Pangasinan Association of the Pacific Northwest, the Visayan Circle, the Kaihurap Association, and the International Drop-In Center, where she was known for her dance moves.

Lawsin is survived by her husband of 42 years, Vincent; children Zenaida Rosete, Vincent Paul, Ramon, Carmelita Floresca Bridges and Emily Lawsin; seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Lawsin was so loyal to the FCS that her dying wish was to lie in state at the Filipino Community Center surrounded by her many friends and family. A memorial was held at the center June 27. Community members came out to reflect on and honor a matriarch of the Filipino community. Lawsin’s daughter Emily recited a poem called “My Pinay Nanny” and the International Drop-In Center chorale also performed.

Funeral services were held June 28 at St. Edward’s Catholic Church, and Lawsin is entombed at Evergreen-Washelli Cemetery.