Michelle Lapatha Bandola

          My mom, Michelle Lapatha Bandola, was born Michelle Parroco Lapatha in Bacolod City, Philippines. She moved here to South Carolina in November, 2021, and was taken from us unexpectedly on Friday, May 17, 2024, but she left a great legacy of service, generous giving and mentoring. She embodied the saying “a friend in need is a friend indeed.” A very generous and reliable friend, she would always go the extra mile to help her friends, she would also open her home for them.

          Her love language was acts of service. Those who knew her, knew they could always count on her to help in any way. 

          She loved to care for animals, mostly dogs. All her life she loved, pampered, trained and raised many dogs in her home in the Philippines and would continue to watch over her family and friends’ pets whenever she could.

          She was also a strong supporter in God’s missions among the tribes and refugees in Thailand and Myanmar and the Muslims in the Philippines.

          She did not only financially support medical missions but volunteered herself and brought me along to many dangerous remote critical areas in the Philippines. She helped and loved the sick and shared the gospel with them.

          She was a great and generous mentor to the youth in the church in the Philippines, she would call them at her beautiful beach house, feed them and teach them about Jesus. She championed youth events and would raise funds for them from her family and friends.

          She earned three degrees:  she was a registered medical technologist, licensed teacher, and a licensed nurse.  In her profession, she was focused on mentoring the younger generations.

          She embraced life’s challenges with strong faith and never compromised her beliefs. She may have been misunderstood as void of emotion because she faced her trials with boldness and strength.  She found her strength and comfort through her Savior, Jesus Christ.

          She was loved by many and provided well for her family, even as a single parent. A courageous woman and generous servant, she knew her purpose was to serve her family, her many close friends, the nations and so many people around her, and she did so with grace and love.

          We remember my mom as a beacon of unwavering friendship and kindness. She has left a lasting mark on the hearts of all that were blessed to know her as a friend.

          A Memorial Service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at Waters-Powell Funeral Home.  The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.

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