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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
In her last days of life, Engracia Delfino Santos's friends and family gathered around her hospital bed singing and even in her semi-conscious state the 100-year-old woman couldn't resist humming along.

Engracia Delfino "Mommy" Santos died May 23, just weeks after her 100th birthday. Community members say they will remember her for her thoughtfulness and kind heart. - Miranda Scotland/NNSL photo

"She loves singing," Gloria Reyes said, adding the 1950s hit Changing Partners was one of her favourite songs. "The last song we sang ... she opened her eyes and then closed them again."

Santos, known as "Mommy Santos" to family and friends, died peacefully on May 23 and a funeral was held for her four days later at St. Patrick's Church.

Mourners filled the venue despite the news of the funeral spreading only through word of mouth.

Santos was the type of person whose warm smile and kind heart drew people to her. She rarely forgot a face and was always there for anyone in need, said Sylvia Masongsong.

"Everybody will remember her for being part of their lives," she said. "She was considerate, thoughtful, loving. She listened to you. She offered advice but there was no judgement ... She was the embodiment of her name. Engracia means with grace."

Santos was born the eldest of five girls and seven boys in Canlubang, Philippines, on April 16, 1913. As a teenager she moved to Manila to attend high school and later pursue her teaching degree.

While there she met Dr. Vivencio Santos, who she would marry at age 24. The pair had two children together, Benilda and Alfonso.

In the children's younger years the Japanese invaded the Philippines and Vivencio was forced into a concentration camp in Bataan. He was among the few that survived the death march.

Engracia and the children also made it through the war. Benilda and Alfonso left the Philippines when they had families of their own: Benilda to California and Alfonso to the Northwest Territories.

Alfonso later petitioned for Engracia and Vivencio to come to Canada and they arrived in 1987, although Vivencio died about a year later.

Over the years, Engracia became an active participant in the Yellowknife community and in the church.

She was a member of the Catholic Women's League and in the late 2000s, she brought together a group of people to make rosaries. The prayer beads get sent all over the world.

Even after her joints began to hurt and her fingers had become shaky, Engracia continued to make rosaries. Today, Queen of Heaven Rosary Makers of Yellowknife boasts about 15 to 20 members. According to Barb McDonald, a lifetime member of the Catholic Women's League, Engracia was very devoted to the Catholic church and always wore green in tribute of the patron St. Joseph.

"There was never any flaw with her. She was always welcoming and kind. Always trying to provide for people," said McDonald, who knew Engracia for more than 20 years. "Some people you see the holiness in them and she was one ... I'm sure she had a direct flight to heaven."

Weeks before she died, Engracia's family and friends held a big birthday bash at the Baker Centre to celebrate her one hundredth birthday. Her relatives came from all over to sing with her and eat cake. In the end, it was the perfect send off, said Masongsong.

"Sometimes she would say she won't reach her hundredth birthday and we would say 'no Mommy, you can do it!' So we kept encouraging her. She always said she wanted to know what it felt to be 100 years old," she said.

"Her wish came true. She was able to reach her hundred years, she was able to see her siblings and other relatives on that day to celebrate her birthday and she died a peaceful death. She just slept."

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