IMELDA BARNACHEA NUNEZA, beloved wife of Andoni Escasinas, passed away peacefully at St. Michael's Health Center - Palliative Care Unit with family at her side, on Friday, May 31, 2019 at the age of 48 years after years of bravely fighting cancer.

Mimie, as she is fondly called by her family and friends, was born on November 11, 1970 in Jolo Solu Philippines and was preceded in death by her father, Juanito Barnachea at a young age. Mimie obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Nursing in 1994  and in 1999,  her Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education from the Philippines.

Mimie was deeply loved by her one and only sister, Zenaida Barnachea Maningo, whom she helped raise while her mom worked overseas to support them after their father's untimely death.

She started her career as a high school teacher in 2001 and touched the lives of many of her students with her passion for teaching and learning. Mimie was blessed with three beautiful daughters from her 1st marriage; Dawn Alexis, Kimberly Mae and Nicole Arn. She later raised her daughters as a single mom with pride and joy and did the best that she could and as humanly as possible.

In 2008, she eloped with her one great love, Andoni, and became a proud mother to her only son, Ian Clarence.  Her friends and family who knew their love story can all agree that Mimie's love is the kind of love that lives on….

Her unconditional love for family compelled her to migrate to Canada in 2012 seeking a brighter future for her children. Her tenacity rewarded her with family reunification as Canadian Permanent Residents in 2016. Although her two  daughters stayed behind in the Philippines, both had successfully completed their post Secondary Education; One with a degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management and is soon to welcome Mimie's first granddaughter; the other, had recently become a Registered Pharmacist… BOTH made her so proud and accomplished as a mother. Nicole Arn, a living replica of her mother's charm, whom she was able to bring to Canada, is graduating from Winston Churchill High School Class 2019; had inherited her mother's passion to care for the seniors; and together with the youngest child, Ian Clarence, became her mother's immeasurable source of joy and pride during her last days.

Mimie, with her gentle heart and genuine love for others was an invaluable member of the nursing staff @ Adaptacare Personal Care Homes, and was often highly spoken of by the senior residents under her care.

Mimie lived a full life as an amazing mother who loved to bake and sing karaoke to her heart's content. Her altruism made her a source of inspiration to her many friends and family.

But most of all she loved her family more than anything and is known for her formidable strength in the face of adversity that served those who loved her well. She will be sorely missed and forever in our hearts.

Mimie is survived by her mother, Lindy Fabio Jansen, sister Zenaida Barnachea Maningo, common law partner Andoni Valentine Escasinas, children: Dawn Alexis, Kimberly Mae, Nicole Arn and Ian Clarence.

A Celebration of Life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB, on Sunday, June 9, 2019 at 11:00 A.M.