Vilma Abriol Wright

With hearts full of gratitude and praise, we celebrate the beautiful life and joyful homecoming of Vilma Abriol Wright, who peacefully entered into the presence of the Lord on April 29, 2026. At 80 years old, having lived a remarkably full life that encompassed many lifetimes, Vilma finished her race surrounded by the family she loved so fiercely. She took immense pride in reaching her 80th birthday, viewing the milestone as a triumphant achievement in her long and beautiful journey. Up until her final moments, with what little strength she had left, she was still smiling, a testament to the light of the Lord within her. Born on October 4, 1945, to Zosima Rodorocio and Joven Abriol, Vilma was one of nine children. She grew up in Aroroy, Masbate, and later moved to Olongapo City, Philippines. It was there, while running her tita’s taco shop, famous for serving the absolute best tacos in Olongapo City, that she met her husband. She brought the warmth and vibrant spirit of her homeland with her wherever life took her. A lifelong adventurer, she had a deep love for travel and explored destinations all over the globe, leaving her joyful mark everywhere from Canada and France to Singapore and Hawaii. To the world, she was Vilma, Tita Vilma, Ninang, Ate Vi, Pangay, or Inday, but her most treasured titles were Mom and Lola to her adoring family. Lola was the undeniable life of the party, known to all as a very sarcastic jokester and a bit of a chismosa who loved to gossip and keep everyone laughing. She had a passion for shopping, especially thrifting for unique finds, and took great joy in her cherished collection of Barbies. Beneath her radiant and joyful exterior beat the heart of a true fighter. She navigated every chapter of her life with extraordinary resilience and an unyielding strength that inspired everyone who knew her. Whether she was dancing, filling a room with her humor, or joyfully taking over the karaoke machine to belt out “Dancing Queen” or her other favorite hits by ABBA, Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, and George Michael, she had a unique gift for making every moment feel like a celebration. A profoundly selfless woman with a remarkably strong work ethic, she was a wonderful daughter, sister, aunt, wife, mother, lola, and great-grandmother (GG). Her calling to care for others began at a very young age when, after the early passing of her mother, Vilma was entrusted with the care of all of her siblings. She honored that request with unwavering devotion throughout her entire life, serving as a second mother and a constant source of support for her brothers and sisters. She truly believed that her greatest purpose in life was to take care of her children and grandchildren. This devotion was evident in the way she nurtured them throughout the generations, from the tender days of bathing them in kitchen sinks to the grand adventures of traveling the world with them. She was also a talented seamstress who meticulously mended things for her family by hand and spent countless hours at her sewing machine lovingly crafting her children’s clothes from patterns. She didn't just care for her family; she lived for them. She was a dedicated homemaker who also worked tirelessly outside the home, holding various jobs in retail, childcare, and beyond, always doing whatever it took to provide for those she loved. She extended her nurturing spirit to both her immediate and extended family, with hands that were always busy creating beauty and comfort. She was very eco-friendly, dedicated to recycling and composting long before it was a trend, ensuring that her household ran with care for the world around her. She spent countless hours cultivating life in her magnificent garden, tending to a bountiful harvest of dragon fruit, pomegranates, guavas, eggplants, jalapeños, and tomatoes. While she grew all types of roses, her absolute favorites were always the red ones, often enjoyed alongside a cup of lemongrass tea brewed from the stalks she grew herself. Her love also poured into her kitchen, where she became famous for her tasty dishes, especially her signature lumpia, pancit, chicken adobo, sinigang na isda, her famous tacos, and her beloved pecan pie. While she loved her own favorite treats like pompano fish, corn, okra, and tuyong isda, her greatest passion of all was her family. We rejoice knowing that Vilma has achieved her ultimate victory and is now joyfully reunited in heaven with our Lord Jesus Christ; her parents, Zosima and Joven; her sister, Maria “Ate Lagring” Suarez; her brother, Joven Abriol; and her brother who passed in infancy. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Roy Gene Wright, in 2021. Her beautiful legacy continues through her three children: Debra Jeanne “Deb” Graham, Lora Marie “Lorie” Wright, and Christopher John “John John” Wright. She was a deeply devoted and proud Lola to her eight grandchildren: Patricia Vilma “Pat Pat,” Samantha Lee “Mantita,” Alexis Lolita “BFF,” Clarita Ida Elizabeth “Baby Claire,” and Sophia Isabella Angelina “Sophie” Graham; as well as Roy Gene “Baby Gene” Wright II, Logan Abriol “Logi” Mitchell, and Sydney Vi “Sis” Williams. Her love will also echo through the generations in her nine great-grandchildren. Vilma also leaves behind her loving sisters, Lolita “Ate Loly” Blersch, Carmen “Ming” Goodwin, and Clarita “Claring” Birner; her brothers, Manuel Abriol and Caesar “Oting” Abriol; her dearest friend, whom she loved like a sister, Venus Ulang; and the family dog, Calvin, her beloved (and occasionally stinky) companion whom she was known to sneak extra treats to when no one was looking. She also leaves behind countless friends and extended family members who were blessed to know her. Lola taught us how to love deeply, fight bravely, laugh loudly, and work hard while living life to the absolute fullest. She was the peacemaker and the rock for her family, cherished by her sisters who were her best friends, her counselors, and her lifelong confidants. She was a fierce advocate for education, often reminding us that it was the one thing in this world no one could ever take away from you. When life grew heavy, Lola found strength in the Lord’s Prayer and the promise of 1 Peter 5:7: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” We will forever carry her simple, steady parting words to “be good and behave yourself,” along with her signature code, “1434444,” meaning I love you very, very, very much. While we will miss her presence every day, we choose to rejoice in the promise of eternity and the vibrant spirit that will dance in our hearts forever. Lola, our hearts are filled with gratitude for every sacrifice you made and every ounce of love you poured into our lives; we are forever blessed to have walked this journey by your side. Though you are no longer with us in person, we find comfort in knowing that you will forever walk by our side in spirit, watching over us with the same fierce love you poured into our lives. We will love you for a lifetime. Mahal na mahal kita po. Miss na miss kita po. Service Information: A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, May 4, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Aztlan Mortuary. In honor of Lola’s vibrant spirit, the family kindly requests that attendees wear a touch of red. During the service, there will be an open invitation for friends and family to share a cherished memory, story, or brief tribute to celebrate the legacy she leaves behind.

Vilma Abriol Wright

October 5, 1945 - April 29, 2026