Corazon "Cory" Aquino 1933-2009

Corazon "Cory" Aquino, a mother of her country.

Aquino died of cardiopulmonary
arrest after complications of colon cancer[61] at the
age of 76 on August 1, 2009, 3:18 a.m., at the Makati Medical
Center.
Aquino was diagnosed with the disease in March 2008 but kept up public
appearances this year. A devout Catholic, she was a regular at
weekend mass until shortly before being admitted to hospital in late
June.
"Our mother peacefully passed away at 3:18 a.m. (19:18 GMT Friday) of
cardio-respiratory arrest," her son, Senator Benigno Aquino III,
told reporters in Manila.
All
Roman Catholic dioceses had started requiem masses for Aquino, after
they held "healing masses".
Meanwhile, the government declared a week of mourning for her death. Former
President Estrada said that they lost a "mother" and a "guiding voice of the
people." Aquino supported Estrada's removal from office in 2001, but the two
supported each other to oppose amendments in the constitution since last year. The
Senate has also expressed its grieving with Aquino's death; Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, who
along with Fidel Ramos launched the
People Power Revolution, asked the public to pray for her. Minority leader Aquilino Pimentel, who
previously served as interior
and local government secretary during her administration, had "mixed
feelings" with Aquino's passing, saying "We shall be forever indebted to Cory
for rallying the nation behind the campaign to topple dictatorial rule and
restore democracy."
International
figures expressed their grief, with United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton noting
that Aquino was "admired by the world for her extraordinary courage". White
House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said that "Her
courage, determination, and moral leadership are an inspiration to us all and
exemplify the best in the Filipino nation." Other ambassadors also sent their
messages of condolence following her passing. -wikipedia