Updated:March 21, 2023, 7:15 A.M.
Montreal, Quebec
Family remembers, honours Nalie’s life
Teodoro Alcuitas
Editor, Philippine Canadian News.Com
The first death anniversary of Nalie Agustin who died March 22, 2022 was celebrated by her family with a mass at Kateri Tekakwitha National Shrine, St. Xavier Church in Montreal.
Natalie Pauline Agustin, known simply as ‘Nalie’ died a year ago on March 22, 2022 from breast cancer at age 33. She was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer in 2013 when she was 23 and started chronicling her journey on YouTube and inspired others living with the disease. She started a diary -‘The Diary of Nalie’ which she turned into a book, published on August 2021, a year before she died. The book became an instant best-seller and according to reports, inspired many.
She wrote that she didn’t want to be remembered for having cancer but…
“…I want to be remembered for always giving it my best and, despite how I felt or what was said, I never stopped believing in me – and you. I want to be remembered for the way I loved, purely with all my heart and without barriers. I want to be remembered for the impact I made in your life.
I don’t want to be admired, I want you
to feel inspired.
Through you and your inspired-living
is how I wish to leave my legacy.
–@nalieagustin
“The Diary of Nalie”
Six months after her death, her family wrote this tribute:
“Six months and the universe keeps winking at you, @nalieagustin .
Six months since you gave your final earthly breath, we continue to breathe your spirit. In our painful moments of grieving and mourning in missing your physical presence your “real” presence has been touchingly immense, you continue to be here, there and everywhere, always with your love, smile and inspiration…
In the trees of life we planted with your ashes, in the angelic mural with your shiny and healing smile that brightens the city, in the joyous birth of Olivia Nalie, in the blessing of a new home you helped plan, the birthdays anniversaries, and summer gatherings that you would have organized and celebrated with your friends and family, in the twinkling stars, in the heart-shaped strawberry and harvest full moons, in clouds formations, in rainbows, in sunrises and sunsets, in the family discussions of how we can continue your legacy…
in our day-to-day living and nightly vivid dreams where you laugh and smile, in the missing keys, with the flowers we offer and the candles we light every day, the unending comforting words in messages and email exchanges from your friends and followers …our dear Nalie, your wondrous Spirit is palpable, present, active and alive now and forevermore. Your spirit and legacy continue.
To Nalie’s community:
Thank you for the continuous outpour of love and support. We are truly grateful to the hundreds who attended to Nalie’s Celebration of Life at @maison.principale , and to the thousands more who were present live virtually, and in spirit.
Nalie’s ashes were mixed with the soil of a young Red Maple Tree and planted at Remembrance Grove in Montreal where she will continue to grow perpetually.
A beautiful mural was painted by the talented artist @jas.nine in downtown Montreal on the corner of Pierce and Police (off St-Catherine street). If you visit and capture it, please use the hashtag #NalieMural
Thank you for following Nalie’s journey. Thank you for all your heartfelt messages. Our hearts are full of gratitude.
Love,
The Agustin and Thakrar Family
At the Neuro-Life Integrated Health Clinics in Montreal, a lounge dedicated to Nalie was inaugurated on January 15, 2023 with members of the family and Professor Joseph Toy, clinical director of the Clinic.
The family is in the final details of announcing the Nalie Foundation in her honour. Find details here:
Nalie was the only daughter of Jess and Tess Agustin of Montreal. She had two brothers -Justin and Albert. Her father Jess , was a long-time official of Development & Peace- Caritas Canada where he overseed many projects in the developing world including the Pope Francis Village in Tacloban City ravaged by Typhoon Haiyan. The village was visited by Pope Francis.
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Thanks Ted for this wonderful tribute in our daughter’s anniversary of crossing over/ Maraming Salamat to all who attended some and all of the events yesterday in commemoration of her beautiful life!