Feliza (Fely) Aguirre

Feliza (Fely) Aguirre, 78, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, passed away unexpectedly on October 16, 2024. Her daughter Anna Liza and son-in-law Ken, were able to be with her in her last moments.

 Fely was born on May 12, 1946 in Padayao, Burgos, Ilocos Sur, Philippines to Pablo and Dorotea Belen. She excelled as a student and graduated with a nursing degree from Manila Central University. After working at Fatima Hospital for two years, at the age of 25, she left her home and family in the Philippines so that she could provide them with financial stability. Over the years she helped her parents, provided funds for continued education for many relatives and planted financial seeds for entrepreneurs in her family. She gave so generously out of love and devotion for them.

 In 1971, she immigrated to the United States where she became an exchange nurse at Albert Einstein Medical Center. Fely later accepted a position at Philadelphia Geriatric Center where she worked as a Registered Nurse Supervisor for over 20 years. When PGC shuttered their doors, she moved on to a supervisor role at Genesis Health Care Chapel Manor. It is here she finished out her long nursing career and retired at the age of 65.

 In her retirement years, Fely devoted her time in service to her church, Mother African Zoar United Methodist Church. She faithfully served on the Breakfast Ministry, Share Food Program, the United Women of Faith and the Grievance Committee. She loved her church family and loved to serve others. Fely lived a faith filled life, trusting God through any situation.

 Undoubtedly, the highlight of Fely’s life was the birth of her only daughter, Anna Liza, in 1982. Fely loved motherhood and this love was further extended through the relationship she shared with her grandchildren, Lily and Roman. Fely often enjoyed her grandchildren’s artistic gifts and shared her excitement and pride with everyone she met.

 She is survived by her daughter Anna Liza; her son-in-law Ken Frieson Jr.; her grandchildren, Lily and Roman; her sisters-in-law Gloria Aguirre and Shirley Belen, nephews, cousins, family and friends here and in the Philippines.

 A celebration of Fely’s life will be held at Mother African Zoar United Methodist Church, 3259 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA on Saturday November 2.

A vigil will be held from 9am-11am, memorial service will start at 11am and a repast following the service will be held on the bottom level of the church.