Obituaries

Rowena Bigol Lat, beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 65. Born on May 31, 1960, in San Pablo City, Laguna, Philippines, Rowena was the cherished daughter of Jovita A. Bigol and the late Elpidio C. Bigol.

Rowena graduated from Canossa College (High School Class of 1976) and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology from the University of Santo Tomas in 1980. She later completed her training in Respiratory Therapy at the Philippine Heart Center of Asia in 1981. Her dedication to caring for others was a lifelong calling—one that she carried with grace, compassion, and quiet strength.

On January 3, 1988, she married the love of her life, Teodoro P. Lat. Together they built a home grounded in faith, kindness, and love. Rowena was a devoted mother to Maria (David) F. Lat and Anthony B. Lat, to whom she gave endless encouragement and unwavering love.

A woman of deep faith, Rowena was an active member of Saint John Neumann Catholic Church in Saint Charles, where she shared her love of music as a member of the Saint John Neumann Praise Choir. Her warmth, humility, and joyful spirit touched all who knew her.

Rowena is survived by her husband, Teodoro P. Lat; her children, Maria (David) F. Lat and Anthony B. Lat; her mother, Jovita A. Bigol; and her siblings, Odessa Diones, Perla Liwanag, Dr. Percival Bigol, Via Martin, and Edith Reyes. She is preceded in death by her father, Elpidio C. Bigol.

A Celebration of Life Mass will be held on Sunday, October 26 at 1:00 PM at Saint John Neumann Catholic Church in Saint Charles, Illinois. Family and friends are invited to join in honoring Rowena’s life and legacy.

Rowena will be remembered for her kindness, faith, and the love she shared so freely with everyone around her. Though she is deeply missed, her gentle spirit will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.

For those who are unable to attend services, the funeral mass will be livestreamed at the following link: https://www.sjnstcharles.org/watch-mass-online.