Celebrating the Life of the Late LITA ANGELES NAVARRO

   “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways…” is an immortal Tribute of an unconditional love from the classic poems of Elizabeth Barrett Browning. The following Tributes from the Family in this story — the “Celebration of the Life of the late Lita Navarro” is a juxtaposition of Browning’s immortal Love for Lita, who was called by the Lord to “Come Home” last November 22, 2016. She had enjoyed God’s Gift of Life for 85 years, serving Him.

No stranger to most of us in Chicagoland, Lita Navarro was the first Filipino to own an Optical Business in Chicago. More importantly, she was known for having a good heart to help people including strangers, like inviting them to her home and helping them find a job. Let’s listen to Lita’s children and grandchildren who share with us their Love  in their heartwarming Tributes to their beloved Mama Lita.

The late CARMELITA ANGELES NAVARRO was born in Manila, Philippines, on August 23, 1931, the third of the seven Angeles children. She obtained her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Philippine Dental College. After obtaining  her license, she managed several optical shops in Manila. Her happy and spunky personality, made her “stand out in the crowd” as the Organizer and a Friend to many.

  Lita and her (late) loving  husband, Ricardo “Ric” Florita Navarro, an Accountant, were childhood neighbors. It did not surprise anyone then when they tied the Love Knot in 1958. Lured by the call of the  “American Dream,” Lita left for the United States in 1965. Ric and their two daughters, Maggie, Mercedes (Mamer) and son, Ron, followed in 1967. The Navarros had another son, Richard, who was born in Chicago.  Sadly, Richard passed away when he was 18. Ric and Lita were among  the first Filipinos to open their own businesses in Chicagoland.  Ric opened his NAVARRO ACCOUNTING OFFICE, now being managed by Ron and Maggie. Lita was the first Filipino to open her own Optical Office in Chicago. The Navarros, especially Lita, are devoted Christians, Roman Catholic family. In addition to being independent business owners, all of their three hard-working children have achieved their respective “American Dream”. First  daughter, Ma. Mercedes (Mamer), a major in Psychology, is married to Scott Grove, General Manager of MAX MADSEN MITSUBISHI car dealership; Maggie, a Certified Public Accountant, is the CPA  at their family-owned Navarro Accounting Office,  is married to Jon Fieldman, a practicing Attorney in downtown Chicago; and Ron, with an Accounting degree, manages the NAVARRO CPA OFFICE, when their Dad Ric, passed away in 2002. Ron is happily married  to Joy, with  Business and Finance degree, now working as the Financial Manager at the Abbott Laboratory.

Sadly, Ric,  Lita’s beloved better-half for 44 years was called by the Lord to “come Home” last April 5, 2002. With the love of her family, life goes on for Lita, a very independent lady, a  Great Mom, who enjoyed life,  sang in the church choir,  went to mass every day, served as  a Communion Minister at church and to the sick in the hospitals; and had so many “Young Once” Friends she socialized with all the time, went on numerous pilgrimages to sacred sites — and occasionally checked out the slot machines on the Riverboat Casinos.  Lita loved to cook gourmet Filipino meals for a handful-to-a-hundred people. This Writer is one of those who love Lita’s “minutes” home-cooked foods. Lita did not allow her “drop-by friends” to leave without savoring her cooking. She was so accommodating, and loved to share. At 80- plus young, she still  drove from Chicago to Florida where she and Ric owned a beautiful Vacation Home. Lita’s favorite “Getaway” with her friends, especially after Ric passed away.

Like every family who lost their loved ones — the loss of Lita  to her beloved and equally Loving Family—her children, grandchildren, and extended blood families deeply affected them all. Their following Tributes say it all.. including the tributes from Lita’s sons-in-law.

 Family Tributes, Reflections, Echoes of Love from their Hearts…

By daughter, Maggie Navarro Fieldman: “We all loved Mama so dearly. “She really lived her life to the fullest,” was a phrase I often heard describing Mama by many people, both young and old.  She was out early almost every day… and all day. She was very independent, incredibly friendly, generous and fun! She had different groups of friends: prayer groups and few friends closest to her heart. Mama traveled frequently with family and friends but spent every holiday with us —  her children and grandchildren.  Fearless and strong-willed, she brought home some strangers and even helped them find a job.  She frequently served  the church like giving weekly communions  to the elderly and the sick at the hospitals.. We loved her cooking. We tried to learn from her but very proved  difficult for us;  she didn’t  measure anything!  She taught us to love adventure — traveling to different countries; discovering  new restaurants or trying a new sport.  She was energetic, fun-loving and funny.  It is hard to imagine how our holidays and life would  be without her spirit, her love and her smile.  We will miss you so dearly, Mama. We love you.  Forever.+”

  By son, Ron Navarro: My Dearest Mama: “Words cannot explain how I feel now that you are gone. I do believe that you are now in heaven with Papa and Richard, looking out for us. I believe that God took you because He needed your services in Heaven.  Your grandchildren are the reflections of how you raised me. You have given us Love, Values, and Faith. We love like you love, we live life as you lived, and follow God as you followed Him. We are the footprints which you left behind. My children and I are who you are. You will be in our hearts forever. We will greatly miss you. I will specially miss you, we were One Great Team, Mama. Love you always. Your son, Ron.”+

By Scott Groove, son-in-law,, husband of  Ma. Mercedes or Mamer: “Lita was a rare and lovely uninhibited free spirit, She rarely second-guessed her instincts and desires, her basis for a lifetime, filled with amazing adventures for her and those who were with her. Over the past weeks, I had occasions to hear my brother-in-law Ron telling someone that Mama Lita was close with God. The phrasing is right on the money. The passages in the novena prayed by her family, it seems, were written specifically for her. She was in no hurry to leave us, but  she knew she would be with her husband Ric and son Richard. Mama was not large in stature, but she worked, lived, loved and prayed faithfully. I’ve been fortunate to know and be blessed to have spent the better part of my adult life with her. She left us her 85-year life’s  experiences that we can reflect upon. She is now at peace with God.”+

By Bianca Grove, granddaughter: This has been a difficult time for my family, celebrating both Mama’s and Papa’s lives, been both  joyful and comforting to us. This has been a celebration of their Love Story, the beautiful life they created for our entire family.  We are all so blessed and thankful for their strength, laughter and memories.  Knowing that they are together again ‘till Eternity,  brings me peace . I can see Mama so happy and smiling as we should. Mama was a fun-loving, adventurous and religious lady. She was so generous and caring. To Mama, God comes first in our life, she went to church everyday. She served the Lord. Today, Mama will always be with us when we pray; share our laughter, family fun, and even our sorrows. Indeed, we were so blessed and lucky to have such a beautiful, loving, caring and funny Mama who brought laughter in our lives. It was so painful  to say our last “Goodbye” to Mama. You will always be in our hearts. We miss you so much… so difficult to think that you were gone.  We will never stop loving you, Mama. And Celebrating your Life and Papa’s… a Joy to comfort us all. Your Love Story  and the Beautiful Life you both gave us will be treasured in our hearts forever. Knowing that you and Papa are together forever – brings us peace. Both of you will always be in our hearts forever.”+

By Ridge Navarro, grandson: “Ever since when I was a kid, I’ve always heard stories of Mama’s adventures and spontaneity.  Whether it was traveling around the world or breaking into her own house, she truly lived life to the fullest. Mama was always running around  doing what she wanted on her own time.  Naturally, out of love, my Dad Ron would complain of how reckless and carefree Mama could be. As her grandson, I have always seen it how independent and fearless my Grandma was. When my Dad would say how stubborn she was. I saw her persistence and determination. These are just some of the qualities that I admire about this bold, wonderful woman I call Mama. During her time, she has taught us not only how to live as good people, but as good Christians as well.  Mama was the closest person to God that I have ever known.  She continually inspires me and my family to follow our faith closely. I wanted her to know that she has made an impact on all of our lives. That we are who we are because of her; that her legacy will resonate through our family for years to come. We miss you Mama, we will never forget you. We will always love you.”+

By Sofia Grove, granddaughter: Although this has been a difficult time for our family, we will continue to celebrate both our Mama’s and Papa’s lives.  They have been a joy and comfort to us all. Their lives were a story of love which they shared with us all.   The beautiful life they created for themselves were shared with us. We are all so so blessed. Knowing they are together again brings us peace. Mama was fun, loving, and adventurous.  She loved her family, her husband Ric, and their friends.   She was so generous and caring.  Each day we pray, we will remember her and think of her joining us.   Every time we laugh, we will think of her humor and it will remind us of being with her.   Every time our family get together, we will remember her. Saying goodbye is so difficult.  Mama you will be missed so much. We will smile as we think of all our memories together.”+

A note from Her Granddaughter Samantha Fieldman “Mama was kind and religious. The world was a better place becauses of her.”

Lita’s Niece, Elizabeth Fontillas:I will always remember Auntie Lita or  “Mama”,  an incredibly strong woman. She knew more than her share of tragedy and trials but her love for her family and her strong faith in God has always given her the strength to live life without bitterness, with gusto and always with gratitude.  She loved to travel, her garden and flowers; always on the go with her friends. Her family, especially her grandchildren, were the lights of her life. She left a legacy of love and perseverance which touched so many lives. May sound like asking too much to want more days with a person who lived and loved, with Auntie Lita.”

The beloved Mama, Grandma and Friend,  Lita Navarro is survived by her deeply-grieving families: children and sons-in-laws, daughter-in-law:  Ma. Mercedes and Scott; Maggie and Jon; Ron and Joy; grandchildren Michelle, Bianca, Ciana, Sofia, Samantha Rose, Ridge, Reid and Isabella; niece Elizabeth Fontillas; her siblings, Francis Angeles and Eulalia  Angeles. Lita, the beloved Mama and Grandma was buried at St Adalbert Cemetery & Mausoleums to join her husband, Ric to  be Together again Forever. (ESN)