Jo Wee Sit Turns 90!

Luncheon Celebration held at Silver Lake Country Club Orland Park January 13, 2024

Josefina (fondly called Jo) is Manila-born/ bred though her ancestry can be traced to the great Ilocos Sur hero, General Isabelo Abaya. Her parents were namesakes: Consuelo Bello Abaya (father, a land surveyor) and Consuelo Garingan Pacquing (mother, a school teacher) while her only sibling was the late Col. Oscar P. Abaya, a lawyer and a precinct commander in Q.C., Philippines. Jo is the widow of the late Tito M. Wee Sit, an Ateneo de Zamboanga and University of the East alumnus, with whom she had 55 years of wedded bliss and four children: Emil (deceased, a surgical nurse), Elma (an educator, Chicago Public Schools), Evro (a mechanical/ electrical engineer) and Ervin (a police officer lieutenant).

Academically, Jo has an admirable record: She topped/ was the first placer of a National Civil Service Test for Secondary Teachers after her graduation from the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Q.C. where she obtained these degrees: Bachelor of Science in Education and Master of Education. She is also an Illinois Certified Teacher.

Jo’s teaching and educational work experience was lengthy: Sixteen years in Manila, Philippines (Torres High School, Mapa High School, and Magsaysay High School) and 18 years in Illinois (St. Josaphat School, Joseph P. Kennedy School, and Truman College). Jo received the “Teacher Of The Year Award” twice in Manila (Torres H.S. & Magsaysay H.S.). Jo’s work experience in the United States was enriched further by her employment as an executive merchandise buyer for the Midwest at Sears Roebuck & Co. where she retired in 1988. Jo had ample executive ability exposure, too, as president or chairman for various alumni and community organizations: U.P. Club of America (7 terms), Candonians of the Midwest (2 terms), La Comunidad Zamboanguenya (4 terms), Sining Kayumanggi (8 terms), U.P. Alumni Association in America (2001), PIWC (2005), PIWC BOT (Board of Trustees, vice-president), and the chairmanship of the PIWC Essay Writing Contest (2002- present). When at the helm of these clubs/ organizations, Jo’s favorite community-oriented projects were focused on educational scholarship programs, professorial chair, student loan fund, and provision of educational materials and equipment. Besides her community leadership skills, Jo is known for her histrionic skills and proficiency in poetry reading and “Balagtasan.”

For her diverse involvement in alumni and community affairs, Jo has received numerous awards including: U.P. Service Award, Centennial Outstanding Candonian Award, Chicago Hall of Fame Performing Arts Award, Kalantiao Award for Community Service, and the U.P. Alumni Association in America Distinguished Service Award. Jo treasures most two awards involving model family life: The Lions Club Golden Life Family Award (2012) and the Asian Model Family Award (2008).

 

Jo Wee Sit is shown blowing off the candles on her birthday cake with her daughter Elma behind her.

Jo’s loving family, her children and grandchildren, with daughter-in-law Marylyn Wee Sit.

Jo Wee Sit with her son Evro behind her & her daughter – in-law Marilyn ( in extreme- right ) enjoyed the party attendance of Dr. Elisa Wong & her husband Dr, Alfonso Wong ; also the presence of Anita Pacubas and Jessica Bertelson (sitting by Jo’s left side).

Jo Wee Sit profoundly appreciated the attendance of her fellow PIWC members ( Francis & Lourdes Mon, Tony & Susan Silvano, and Veronica Leighton ) during her recent birthday luncheon at the Silver Lake Country Club.

Jo Wee Sit with her son Evro standing behind her, is shown with her “Kamag-anakan” ( kins): (Arlo Tabada, Mr.& Mrs. Frank Dorado, Dr. & Mrs. Crisanto Dimafelix, Mr. & Mrs. Steve Gloeckle, & Mrs. Shobee Velasquez – Horvath attending her birthday party / celebration.

The attendance of her three ” condo neighbors ” during her recent birthday luncheon provided Jo Wee Sit profound delight and joyful appreciation.