Alma (Abellanosa) Ouano

Alma Abellanosa Ouano passed away on January 23, 2020 after a long battle with breast cancer. She was born on the Philippine island of Cebu on April 10, 1944, the oldest of 5 children. Despite aspiring to be a teacher, she studied nursing so she could move overseas and provide a better life for her family. After graduating from Southwestern University in Cebu City in 1967, she worked as a nurse in Cebu until she finally secured a nursing job in the State of Washington in 1971. She left behind her entire support system, her husband, and an infant daughter so she could first gain traction in a land so foreign to her that – upon witnessing her first snowfall in Seattle – she thought that cotton was falling from the sky.

Her nursing career eventually took her to Dearborn, Michigan, which is where she was joined by her husband and daughter in the mid 1970s. Her son was also born during this time, and her family was finally complete. The money she earned would pay for the education of her children and each of her siblings. Eventually, 3 of her 4 siblings would join her in the United States.

She was known for her easy smile and kindness. As a devout Catholic, she could often be found at church or praying at home. She made friends wherever she went, and in retirement she got to travel the world, visiting various places in Europe and Asia.

Alma is survived by her daughter, Rhoda Roll and husband Mike; her son, Andy Ouano and wife Jenna; and her life partner, Mike Buensuceso.  She is also survived by her siblings: Rex Abellanosa and wife Percy; Yvonne Dagatan and husband Wen; Carlito Abellanosa and wife Nora; and Alan Abellanosa, Ph.D and wife Tina. She was the proud “Lola” to her seven grandchildren:  Mark Roll, Myles Roll, Michaela Roll, Aiden Ouano, Anson Ouano, Aaron Ouano, and Adler Ouano. Furthermore, she was the loving aunt to over a dozen nieces and nephews. Alma was preceded in death by her loving parents, Carlos Abellanosa and Eufronia Laag Abellanosa, as well as her husband and the love of her life, Rodrigo Ouano.

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