Milagros Besa, age 88, passed away in Ocean Springs surrounded by family members on Saturday, August 25, 2018.
She was born on May 20, 1930 in Bulacan, Philippines. Milagros was eleven when the Japanese occupation of the Philippines ended her formal schooling. In 1950 she married Aner Besa, and together they had four children. Seeking better opportunities for her family, Milagros came to America in 1984 and became a U.S. citizen in 1989, one of her proudest accomplishments. Ocean Springs, MS would become her home for the rest of her life, and Milagros worked numerous jobs, most notably at Ocean Springs Seafood Factory and Isle of Capri Casino.
Milagros’s interests and hobbies included quilting, making lumpia, and feeding everyone who came to visit her. It was impossible to visit Milagros without eating. When she wasn’t working, Milagros relaxed by watching Atlanta Braves baseball, NBA basketball, and Wheel of Fortune on television.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Aner Besa, Sr, and her sons, Aner Besa, Jr. and Cesar Besa.
Left to honor Milagros and remember her love are Milagros’s two daughters, Tessie (Phillip) Batten and Lori (Alexander) Heron; eight grandchildren; Agnes, Alvaro, Alvin, Andy, Beth, Carol, Charlie, and Jervis; and twelve great-grandchildren.
The family of Milagros Besa would like to thank the entire staff of the Villa Maria Retirement Apartments for allowing her final years to be filled with comfort and peace. Milagros will be remembered for her glowing charisma and generous spirit. Those who knew her will cherish the memories of moments spent with sweet Milagros.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 28, 2018 from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., with a service at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 29, 2018, where friends may visit one hour prior, all at the Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Crestlawn Memorial Park.