Matilde Garzon Antonio - Obituary

atilde Garzon Antonio, fondly known as “Mat” and “Casing” to family and friends, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2026, at the age of 82, surrounded by the love of family and friends. Born in Echague, Isabela, Philippines to Vincente and Feliciana Garzon, she lived a life rooted in faith, family, kindness, and generosity. Matilde attended Centro Escolar University Philippines and graduated with a degree in Pharmacy. In July 1967, she married the love of her life, Celso Antonio, with whom she shared a devoted and enduring marriage. Together, they raised three wonderful children: Christine, Edgard and Lenore. Throughout the years, she faithfully supported her husband during his service in the U.S. Navy while also pursuing a rewarding career as a senior laboratory technologist at The George Washington University Hospital, where she served with dedication and commitment for 33 years until her retirement in 2004. An active member of the Filipino community, Matilde devoted herself to serving others through the Ilocano Society of America (ISA) and the Medical Mission of Mercy. Joining the Mission in 2012 alongside her husband, Celso, she later served on its board of directors and coordinated mission trips to her hometown of Echague, sharing her warmth, generosity, and joyful spirit with all whose lives she touched. Together, she and her husband enjoyed traveling, visiting loved ones, and playing Filipino mahjong several times a week with their close friends. Their home was often filled with laughter, lively conversation, and the familiar sound of mahjong tiles being shuffled late into the evening. After the passing of her cherished husband in 2020, she continued to find joy and companionship in the game and in the many treasured friendships built around the mahjong table. She is survived by her daughter Christine and her husband Dwayne; son Edgard and his wife Rose; daughter Lenore and her husband Allan; and grandsons Courtney, Ray, Matthew, Andrew, and Evan. She is also survived by her younger brother, Celis, and his wife, Nida; as well as her late brother’s wife, Monet Garzon. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, godchildren, relatives, and friends here in the United States and back home in the Philippines. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Celso; her loving parents, Vicente and Feliciana Garzon; and her dear brother, Justino “Tinong” Garzon. We find comfort in knowing they are reunited in God’s eternal embrace. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Matilde's life on Monday, July 20, 2026, from 2 to 8 p.m. at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD 20745. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 10 a.m. at St. Columba Catholic Church, 7800 Livingston Road, Oxon Hill MD 20745. Interment at Arlington National Cemetery will be private. The family is deeply grateful for the love, prayers, and support shown during this difficult time and appreciates your understanding as they gather to lay Matilde to rest.