Celia Aurora Tan Ong
Visitation & Funeral Mass
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Visitation: 10:30 AMHoly Name of Jesus Parish
Holy Mass: 11:00 AM
4925 Cambie Street, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2Z4
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Burial (Interment)
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
2:30 PM
Gardens of Gethsemani Catholic Cemetery
15694 32 Avenue, Surrey, BC V3Z 9V1
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Obituary for Celia Aurora Tan Ong
February 10, 1936 – June 21, 2026
It is with profound sadness, yet with hearts full of gratitude for a life beautifully lived, that we announce the peaceful passing of Celia Tan Ong on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at Vancouver General Hospital, surrounded by the love of her family.
Celia is reunited with her beloved husband, Teodulo (Ted) Ong, the love of her life. They were inseparable partners who built a remarkable life together—raising a family, pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams, and sharing every joy and challenge side by side.
The timing of Celia's passing brings a special measure of comfort to our family. She passed away peacefully on Father's Day, at the very same hour as Ted, on the eve of the sixteenth anniversary of his passing. We find comfort that, after sixteen years apart, they are together once again in the loving presence of God.
Celia is lovingly remembered by her children Christine (Elmar), Theodore, Christopher, and Herbert (Sheila); her cherished grandchildren Sarah (Ryan), Andrew, Emily, Melissa, Bradley, Helena, and Amanda; her beloved great-grandchildren Shiloh and Isla; her sister Zenaida; her brothers Victor (Nenita) and Benjamin (Elizabeth); and brother in law Domingo, many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
Born in Manila, Philippines, on February 10, 1936, Celia possessed an extraordinary combination of intelligence, grace, and elegance. As a young woman, she was an accomplished ballerina whose talent and poise earned her recognition, including appearances on magazine covers. She later earned her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Santo Tomas and, following graduation, worked alongside her mother and sister Zenaida in the family pharmacy.
Ted often said he had fallen in love with the most beautiful girl he had ever seen—Celia Aurora. They were married on February 4, 1962, beginning a lifelong partnership built on faith, love, and a shared entrepreneurial spirit.
Soon after their marriage, they founded Unielectric, supplying industrial hardware and electrical products to major corporations in the Philippines. In 1973, they immigrated to Vancouver to build a new life for their growing family.
In Canada, Celia established a successful career with Yorkshire Trust, serving as branch supervisor and investment officer. Later, she and Ted once again pursued their entrepreneurial roots, owning and operating two Pharmasave pharmacies, where they served their community with professionalism, integrity, and compassion.
Their desks sat side by side from the days of Unielectric through all the years they owned their pharmacies—a simple reflection of the way they lived their lives. They were true partners in every sense.
Celia was a woman of remarkable strength, determination, grace, and kindness. She carried herself with quiet elegance and had a remarkable gift for making others feel welcomed, valued, and loved. Friends, neighbours, and even those meeting her for the first time often remembered her warmth, generosity, and gentle spirit.
Above all, Celia was devoted to her family. Her love, wisdom, encouragement, and example shaped the lives of her children and grandchildren and will continue to inspire generations to come.
Although our hearts are broken, we are profoundly grateful for the ninety years we were blessed to share with her. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the lives she touched with her strength and grace.
May she rest in the peace of Christ, and may perpetual light shine upon her.
Memorial Card
Be Not Afraid
You shall cross the barren desert
But you shall not die of thirst
You shall wander far in safety
Though you do not know the way
You shall speak your words in foreign lands
And all will understand
You shall see the face of God and live
Be not afraid
I go before you always
Come follow me
And I will give you rest
Condolence Messages