Obituary of Gerarda Concepcion

In light of the recent COVID-19 social distancing regulations, this service will be private and restricted to a limited number of family members. We apologize for any inconvenience but ask that you keep Gerarda in your thoughts and prayers. Please feel free to leave a condolence for the family in the guestbook section of this page.Live stream will begin at 11am on Thursday, April 23, 2020.http://distantlink.com/dlm23.htmlPassword Arbor2020Gerarda “Inang” Concepcion went to be with the Lord suddenly on Monday, April 20th, 2020, while at home. A God-fearing woman, her legacy will live on in those that know her.Inang was born in Alcala, Pangasinan, Philippines, on April 23rd, 1939, to Daniel Tasani and Chrisfina Bautista. She is the firstborn of seven children, her siblings are Norby Tasani, Gloria Claudio (deceased), Priscilla Garabiles, Alegria Gancena, Danny Tasani (deceased) and Nestor Tasani.Inang married her late husband Feliciano Concepcion at 18 years old and was widowed at 28 years old with six children: Abraham Concepcion, Belenda Concepcion, Corazon Embesan, Diosdado Concepcion (deceased), Lisa Magno and Feda Concepcion (deceased). Inang’s life was a living testimony of God’s faithfulness. She attended the Church of God in the Philippines which her uncle pastored. She loved to fellowship in her teenage years and her social spirit remained in her old age.As a young widow, she struggled to provide for her children who were scattered amongst other family members. She would cry out to God in the middle of the night, pleading for strength as she worked from dusk until dawn in the rice fields or selling food in the streets. Inang was not perfect, but she was always a dedicated mother, fighting to give her children the best of this life.In 1982, she worked at Davao Bible College, managing the food budget, purchasing groceries and cooking meals for the students. At the College, she became a prayer warrior and was a regular at Bible Studies. Inang would often open her home to visiting missionaries from America. She hosted, cooked, and fellowshipped with them as she was most blessed when she could bless others.Bold, passionate, and an articulate speaker, Inang spoke the Word of God with power and was not afraid to correct and rebuke her brothers and sisters in Christ. She knew scripture by heart and her impeccable memory carried on in her elder years.Even amid hardship, her faith in God remained and by faith, she immigrated to Toronto, Canada to reunite with her eldest child and his family in 1996.Inang’s faith was central to her life and she encouraged others with God’s love as a member of Danforth Church, City of God Ministries and Glencairn Baptist Church. Her giving, generous heart was glad to help anyone whenever she could. She loved to fellowship with people from all different walks of life - she always had a way to make them feel welcome and loved.In 2017, Inang was diagnosed with an inoperable benign tumour in her brain as doctors determined it was a risky procedure. She refused to take any medication and fought through the pain, praying and drawing strength from the Word of God. She continued the work of the Lord until He saw it fit for her to return home. In the words of Paul, Inang fought the good fight of faith, finished the race, and kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7). She can now rest peacefully in the arms of her Heavenly Father.Inang is survived by her children Abraham Concepcion, Belenda Concepcion, Corazon Embesan, Elisa Magno; her grandchildren Jan Concepcion, Laurie Concepcion, Bren Embesan; and a host of beloved nieces and nephews. Inang was not just a mother and grandmother to her family, but to every person that crossed paths with her. Her life and legacy will continue to touch many others through her family and loved ones.