MOVIE icon Susan Roces was laid to rest Thursday, May 26 at the Manila North Cemetery.
A funeral mass was held in the morning at the Heritage Park before the interment. Roces’ remains were placed beside the tomb of her husband, Fernando Poe, Jr. at the family’s mausoleum.
Roces passed away from cardiopulmonary arrest on Friday, May 20. She was 80.
A statement was released by her daughter, Senator Grace Poe, Friday night confirming the passing of Roces.
“She is now with the Lord and her beloved Ronnie — FPJ. We will miss her sorely but we celebrate a life well lived. Susan Roces — daughter, mother, grandmother, a true Filipina and a national treasure,” the statement read.
The local entertainment industry was shrouded with grief following the announcement of the showbiz’ legend’s death. Fans and friends, including Eddie Gutierrez, Maricel Soriano and Rep. Vilma Santos, trooped to the Heritage Park in Taguig City to pay their last respects to the movie queen.
Government officials also attended the wake of Roces. On Tuesday, President-elect Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. attended the wake with his wife, Liza Araneta Marcos.President Rodrigo Duterte went on Wednesday, the last night of public viewing. He was accompanied by Senator Bong Go.
Born Jesusa Purificacion Levy-Sonora, Roces was born on July 29, 1941 in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. She started acting at an early age and was regarded as the Queen of Philippine Movies, starring in over a hundred movies and TV shows. She also produced films under her own Rosas Productions and was an award-winning actress. She was also known as an outspoken critic of ex-President Gloria Arroyo.
She and Poe married in civil rights on Christmas Day in 1968. They had one child, Senator Grace Poe.
