Filipina immigrant, ‘Ate Rizza’, identified as one of the 11 victims of Saturday’s mass casualty in Vancouver

GREATER VANCOUVER — A woman described as a kind-hearted and humble immigrant from the Philippines has been identified as one of the 11 victims in Saturday’s mass casualty incident in Vancouver.

According to the text of a fundraiser from Shelby Anne Marie Pacumio, “Ate” (a term of respect for a sister, aunt or older female) Rizza Pagkanlungan died after a male suspect drove his vehicle through the Lapu Lapu Day festival in Vancouver near East 41st Avenue and Fraser and struck multiple people horrifically.

“Hello, my name is Shelby, and I’m writing this on behalf of my family as we navigate an incredibly painful and heartbreaking time. We are mourning the tragic and unexpected loss of my dear cousin, Rizza, a loving wife, devoted sister, and cherished loved one to so many,” Pacumio wrote in her GoFundMe. “The shock and sorrow are still unimaginable, it feels like a terrible dream we can’t wake up from.”

Pagkanlungan has been described as “the sweetest soul, kind-hearted, humble, and hardworking person” who moved from the Philippines to Winnipeg with her husband in search of a better life. She eventually moved to Vancouver so she could be closer to family and be surrounded by love and support.

“Now, in the wake of this unthinkable loss, our family is asking for your help. Leaving her husband, younger brother, and a few of us here in Canada, we are doing everything we can to reunite Rizza with her loved ones back home in the Philippines, to lay her to rest with the family who raised her and loved her deeply,” the GoFundMe stated. “Any support, no matter how small, would mean the world to us. Your kindness will help bring comfort to her grieving family and ensure that Rizza is honored with the dignity and love she deserves.”