It is with sadness that the Filipino community bid farewell to Consolacion Quejas, fondly known, to many of us, as Mama Ching. At 91 years old, Mama Ching was the backbone of the Filipino Canadian Community being a founding member of the Kalayaan organization and a respected leader. She will always be remembered for her enduring love of service to the community and her endearing smile.

Frances Sevilla



In Memoriam: Mama Ching Quejas

Last July 21, 2015, Consolacion Quejas, also affectionately known as Mama Ching (MC), to the Filipino-Canadian community in the Greater Toronto Area passed away peacefully at the age of 91. She will always be remembered as a passionate and charismatic community leader, full of life and personality, and dedicated to serving the Filipino community. MC was a prime example of age not being a barrier to doing more in life, including community service.

When she ran for office with Kalayaan Cultural Community Centre (KCCC) in 2004, she was already 80 years old. She reminisced that the issue being brought up about her was her age and that she was already too old. She took the challenge and proved to everyone that even at 80, she could and did very well. She ran and became president of KCCC for ten years and was instrumental in pushing through with the project to raise funds for a building that will house a Filipino community centre in Mississauga. She was tireless in her fundraising efforts for the Centre and was a hands-on leader. Seeing her at the KCCC office was the norm; she delighted in touring first time visitors and guests around the Centre and taking pride in letting people know about the history of the place. She kept a trunk in her office containing her chemise and pillow in case she had to stay late to close up the Centre after a function or when she was working late to complete grant applications. She was also very much involved with her seniors group. She took on these activities when she was already in her 80s and only slowed down in the last two years due to her failing health. She inspired people to get involved in the Centre and to volunteer. Citing Robert Frost, MC once said, “If you have to do any good, do it well.” and she lived by that motto.

Rest in peace, Mama Ching, you will always be remembered!

Judy Montenegro