Florencia Baptista Ancheta

Florencia “Loring” Baris Baptista Ancheta peacefully passed away on February 14, 2025, due to perforated diverticulitis at the age of 85 years old surrounded by family.

Florencia was born on December 9, 1939, in Barangay 11, Santa Rosa Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. She and her sister, Anita Baris Pucan, faced the hardship of losing their mother, Francisca Dayaca Baris, at a young age. Despite this difficulty, their father, Teodorico Balisacan Baris and grandmother, Juana Gantong Dayaca, provided them with love and guidance, ensuring they grew up with plenty of support.

Determined to build a better future for herself, Florencia pursued her education at Samson Vocational School in Manila, Philippines, where she studied to become a secretary. While she was a student, she worked simultaneously to finance her own education. Following her studies, she ventured on a career as a cashier and salesperson, demonstrating her resilience and strong work ethic.

It was in Manila, while working as a cashier, that she met her first husband, the late Alfonzo Javier Baptista Sr. Together, they were blessed with four wonderful children. Tragically, Alfonzo Sr. passed away at a young age, leaving Florencia to navigate the immense responsibility of raising their children. Though devasted by his loss, she channeled her grief into hard work. She diligently sold goods in marketplaces and later secured an opportunity to work abroad as a domestic helper in Kuwait for four years in the late 1980s. Leaving her children behind was one of the hardest decisions of her life, but with the support of her sisters-in-law and a determination to build a better future for her family, she persevered. Through her sacrifices, resilience and immense support of her sisters-in-law, she was able to put all her four children through college.

After her time in Kuwait, Florencia returned briefly to thePhilippines, where, with the encouragement of her cousins, she married her second husband, the late Abraham Ancheta. Within a year, from Abraham’s petition, she migrated to the United States in the early 1990s.

In the United States, she continued her unwavering dedication by working as a caregiver for 14 years in multiple care homes owned by her cousins. Her hard work and desire for a better future–not just for herself but for her family–eventually paid off as she later petitioned for her children and their families their immigration to the United States.

Florencia retired in 2006 but her devotion to her family remained strong. As her children worked tirelessly, she embraced the role of a nurturing and loving grandmother. She dedicated herself to caring for her nine grandchildren. While she was known to be strict, especially with them, her discipline stemmed from deep love and a desire to guide them toward success. She expressed her affection not through words but through actions such as ensuring there was always a warm meal on the table, bathing and caring for her grandchildren, and picking them up after school each day. Her presence was a source of comfort, strength, and reliable support.

Later in life, as she developed dementia, her personality underwent a transformation. She became a warm, funny, and lighthearted presence, bringing joy to those around her. She filled the home with laughter, singing along to Victor Wood’s songs and playfully mixing up family members’ names and their relationship to her. Even as her memory faded, the love she had for her family remained ever-present, a testament to the beautiful and enduring spirit that defined her life.

Florencia was not only a devoted wife but also a beloved mother, sister, grandmother, and friend. Her life was a testament to perseverance, love, and strength. Though her passing leaves a void in our hearts, her legacy of resilience, compassion, determination, and dedication to creating a better life for herself and her family will continue to inspire us all. As we mourn her passing, we also honor the extraordinary life she lived and the profound impact she had on all who knew her.