Lolita 'Lita' (Bordario) Hawes

It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our mother, Lolita Hawes. Lita was a loving and devoted wife, mom, grandmother, and friend to anyone who knew her.

Lita was born in Mandaue, Cebu to parents Jose and Semeona Bordario. Lita was one of 7 siblings. She attended school until grade 8 and worked in a candy factory for many years to help support her family. Robin and Lita wrote to each other for many years and finally, Robin went to the Philippines to meet Lita in person. They were married shortly after and at the age of 36, Lita moved to Canada, where they resided at the end of Tatlow Road for 32 years and had three children, Charlee, Marlina & Helena.

Lita was fiercely devoted to her family and friends. She loved to entertain and host gatherings to bring people together. Lita loved to feed a crowd, or individually as ‘projects’. She was passionate about flowers and took pride in her incredible gardens that she maintained year after year. Lita worked in the restaurant industry in Smithers while also working on the farm alongside Robin, spending many years selling their produce and flowers at the Farmer’s Market. Life was sometimes tough, but Lita maintained a positive outlook on life, always with a smiling face.  In 2017, Robin & Lita moved into Smithers and continued to garden in a smaller scale setting, where they eventually slowed down to enjoy their retirement and grandchildren.

Lita is survived by her husband, Robin Hawes, children Charlee Touchette (Eugene), Marlina Hawes (Hank), Helena Grubb (Glen), stepdaughter Tara Focht (Rob), step-son Renny Hawes, grandchildren Jayden, Cameron, Leora, Logan & Morley, sister Tepfila and brother Lamberto. Lita is predeceased by her parents, Jose and Semeona Bordario and siblings Esing, Biana, Laureana, Pio, Florencio and son in law, Gavin Grubb.

A special thank you to the staff at Bulkley Valley District Hospital, the staff at Smithers & District Transit, Cst. Jennifer McCreesh, Jessy Taggart and the many friends of Robin and Lita for their support during this difficult time.

A Memorial Service will be held on April 19, 2023, at 2:30 pm at St. Joseph’s Church in Smithers, BC.

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