This photo of Mercy Sunot was displayed at Tiffany Chapel at Cypress Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park. Photo by Jun Nucum
COLMA, Calif. – Mercy Sunot, lead vocalist of OPM rock band Aegis, was honored recently at a “celebration of life,” held in Colma, California, two weeks after her death at age 48.
Family members, friends and fans came to pay their last respects to Sunot, who succumbed to breast and lung cancer on Nov. 18, at the Tiffany Chapel at Cypress Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park in Colma earlier this week.
Photo by Jun Nucum
You may like: Aegis vocalist Mercy Sunot dies at 48 after battling breast and lung cancer
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
Sunot’s remains will be flown back to the Philippines, where she will be buried next to her father’s resting place at Carmona’s Haven of Peace in Carmona, Cavite, according to family members.
The memorial Mass was led by Fr. Delfin Tumaca of St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Stockton, Calif., who urged attendees to share their legacy and “to create our own songs of love – like Mercy did.”
Photo by Jun Nucum
Mercy’s obituary, which was read during the memorial, described the singer as “a beacon of love, faith and kindness.”
ADVERTISEMENT“She dedicated her life to singing and (brought) happiness to all her fans, especially the OFWs, who found solace and comfort (in Aegis’) songs that reminded them of home,” the obit stated.
“Mercy’s heart was as beautiful as her voice and she shared her love with all who crossed her path. Her contagious smile, kindness and grace touched the lives of so many especially her family, and Mary and MJ whom she cherished above all.”
Philippine Consul General in San Francisco Neil Ferrer, one of the more than 100 attendees, described Sunot as “a beautiful soul.”
ADVERTISEMENT“Marami siyang pinasaya, pinaluha. She will forever remain in our hearts with her music and her life. We are very grateful for the life she shared with us,” Ferrer told Inquirer.net USA. He confirmed that arrangements are being made to bring Sunot home.
In a GoFundMe page, the nonprofit SMNF (Samahan ng Mga Nagkakaisang Filipino) Northern California appealed for support to help with expenses to repatriate Sunot’s remains.
“Even when (she was) sick, she generously shared her amazing talent and continued to sing and entertain her fans in California,” the page stated. “Let us join hands in compassion to help Mercy Sunot’s family return her remains to the Philippines, where love and memories will lay her to rest.”
Sunot’s close friend, Fil-Am producer Donnie Pastrana, recalled how the singer and her sisters brought so much joy to fans during their US tour, which included shows in Alaska, Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco.
Fil-Am producer Donnie Pastrana/Photo by Jun Nucum
Pastrana said fans, both young and old, could relate to the music of Aegis, which reminded them of home.
He said Mercy’s sisters and daughter Mary were able to visit the singer for about a month while she was battling cancer.
“She never lost her faith and fighting spirit, and was determined to come home to her family,” added Pastrana, who thanked everyone who has been helping bring Sunot home, where she will be laid to rest.
Want stories like this delivered straight to your inbox? Stay informed. Stay ahead. Subscribe to InqMORNING bouncingball8
MORE STORIES Biden considers preemptive pardons for officials, allies before Trump takes office ‘Wicked’ named best film, Daniel Craig best actor by National Board of Review Sofronio Vasquez: Iconic performances before ‘The Voice’ Follow @FMangosingINQ on Twitter --> Don't miss out on the latest news and information.
View comments
TAGS: celebrities, Filipina singers, Trending
For feedback, complaints, or inquiries, contact us.