Zanita Escorial Andaluz

Ms. Zanita Andaluz, age 88, of Bicol, Philippines, passed away on Mother’s Day, Sunday morning, May 9th, 2021 at her residence in Green Cove Springs Florida.

She was born September 3, 1932, daughter of Leonora Roa and Crispin Escorial.

Zanita was preceded in death by her husband of 31 years, Narciso Andaluz, and her son Danilo Andaluz. Zanita is survived by her son Wilfredo Andaluz, two daughters, Emma Reverente and Viola Witherspoon; her grandchildren Carem Reverente, Tarah Reverente and Arvie Witherspoon; her siblings Luzviminda, Josefina, Marilou, Paul, Fe, Trifon, Ricardo, Helen, Bernardo, Manuel, Asunción, Mineo, Gilbert, Amelia, and Emelita.

Zanita, aka “Wawa”, was a force to be reckoned with. In her old age, she would often spend her days exercising, shadow boxing, praying, singing, and dancing. She loved learning new things and enjoyed challenging herself by spelling lengthy English words and keeping up with current events. She had a sense of humor like no other. She often would say the opposite of what she actually meant as a way of being funny. For instance, she would joke and say, “I have no appetite” while downing an entire plate of food. She would also do this thing where, if you complimented her, on what she was wearing, she would always light up and say, “It’s not the shirt….its the person WEARING the shirt!” Despite being older and more fragile, she would always spend hours massaging others as they slept/sat on the couch. She always took pleasure in knowing she could help others in some way shape or form, whether it was through massage or other acts of service (like folding your laundry, etc). Wawa had dreams of becoming a nurse or a pilot. She was never afraid of anything and was always up for a new adventure. When she was younger, she traveled to Iran to work as the nanny for General Oveissi’s family. You could tell this was a proud moment for her because she spoke of it often.

Wawa's memory seldomly failed her. In her best moments, she would tell you in brutal honesty, "Why change the subject, we're not done yet. I'm not done with you yet." That's her, straight to the point. That was her at 88, imagine when she was younger, even just a few years. She lived her life guided by values of discipline, respect and love. Love best expressed in gestures big and small. These values she passed on to her siblings, children, grandchildren and friends.

Thank you for everything. The big void you left in our hearts will be filled will overflowing fond memories.