Obituary of Rosita Cabot

Rosita Panela Cabot, affectionately known as Rose, Rosie, Manang, and OMA, departed her earthly home on April 23, 2015 to join Larry Sr., (who preceded her) in our Lord's eternal Kingdom of God. Surrounded by her adult children, Rudy, Linda, Larry Jr., and Ruth, Rose passed peacefully knowing she was loved, will be missed, and will forever be present in her prized grandchildren, Ryan, Carmen, Adam, Austin, Christa, Olivia, Caroline, Matthew, and Ethan. Oma as she was known to them also has a great grandchild, Kara, who is Ryan's daughter. Rose's passing marked the culmination of her desire to live the "American Dream". Born in San Quintin, Philippines on October 5, 1932, to Consolation and Primitivo Panela, Rose was one of 7 children. When Larry Sr. was drafted into the US Army, Rose made it clear that she wanted to raise her family in America, "where hard work and a desire to achieve" provided the opportunity to succeed to anyone from anywhere. In 1961, Larry Sr. and Rosie moved their young family that included Rudy, Linda, and Larry Jr., from Baguio City, Philippines to Monterrey, California. It was there at Fort Ord where Larry Sr. was stationed that Ruth was born. Following assignments in California and Germany, the Cabot's settled in Columbia, SC where Larry Sr. was a drill instructor. Rosie managed the family by performing all the tasks of raising the four kids while also ensuring that Larry's uniforms were starched and neatly pressed daily. This was good preparation for her next challenge when in 1968, Larry was sent to Vietnam. Rosie was a devoted mother who kept the fire burning brightly while Larry was deployed. She would ask each child to write a letter to their Dad every day while he was away knowing that getting something from home during mail call was a daily treat for a soldier regardless if the news was duplicated from the day before. While Rosie learned to do things without Larry during his deployment, like driving a car, she was also always encouraging her four kids to excel in school because "you can become anything you want to be in America if you study and work hard". This was a common theme that Rosie's kids now espouse to her grandchildren. Her influence was equally felt and appreciated by the spouses of her children. Scott Keck, Maxanne Hartman Cabot, Julie Henry Cabot, and Dr. Tom Forest enjoyed Rosie as a role model and friend. She in turn loved them each as one of her own. Among those who will also miss Rosie are her surviving immediate family including sisters residing in the Philippines, Teofila (Pilang) Panela Quines, Estefania (Paning) Panela Sia, Josephine (Josie) Panela Gapasin, Remedios (Remy) Panela Quitong, and brother Pedro (Pete) Fabilico Panela of Tacoma, WA. Rosie is predeceased by a brother Mariano and a sister. Rosie was also blessed with loving first cousins and their spouses who often visited and communicated from Canada. These cousins include Heriberto (Berting) and Angeline Panela, Elvira and Jun Estoesta, and Purificacion and Dominador Borja. Rosie's life has been filled with numerous examples of her love for life and for those whom she cared for. Oma influenced more than just her own brood. She was a surrogate mother as an in home care giver for many children of friends and family through the years. She was an excellent cook and was well known for her eggrolls, adobo, and pancit among many others. When Larry unexpectedly departed due to pancreatic cancer, Rosie filled the void for her family. Opa would have been proud of the example she set for us all and the confidence inspiring words she easily spoke to those in need. Rest in peace dear OMA, you were a special mother, grandmother, great-grandmother,mother in law, friend, and family member. The stars will shine brighter with your presence among them. The family will receive friends at Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park 845 Leesburg Road, Columbia, SC 29209 on Tuesday, April 28, 2015 from 6 PM until 8 PM. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, April 29, 2015 at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 100 Polo Road, Columbia, SC 29223 with Fr. Sandy McDonald officiating. Interment will be at Greenlawn Memorial Park following the service. Many thanks to South Carolina Oncology and Amedysis for their loving care and friendship throughout Mom's journey. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. John Neumann Church, 100 Polo Rd., Columbia, SC 29223. Rosie, Larry, and their family were founding members.