We are saddened by the news of Rebecca’s passing and have sent our condolences to her family and the Church of the Philippines. Rebecca was an important member of ICUUW since its very beginning in 2009. For her visionary leadership and tireless fight for equality, justice, and human rights for women we presented her with the Annie Margaret Barr Award, our highest honor. Beautiful reflections on Rebecca’s life and tributes are shared online. UUs-in-Philippines posted a memory on their YouTube channel, her son Persie posted a video on Facebook.
Below we share a beautiful tribute by our member Lee who knew her well:
Since the passing of Rev. Rebecca Sienes earlier this month, Facebook and global email messages have been filled with eloquent reflections of the influence she had on the lives of people who knew her. For many people she was an inspirational mentor. Her dogged determination, boundless energy and love for her family and the UU Church of the Philippines was legendary. She was the first ordained woman minister of the UUCP and for many years was its fearless leader, working both in the Philippines and with UUs across the globe. I first met her in 2006 and have a host of memories of this amazing woman. I will always carry her in my heart.
I can hear her voice and see her light up with joy as she worked with the children. She had such fierce determination to make the world safer and better for all, but especially rural Filipinas. She was an “Energizer Bunny” with profound love for her family and the church her father had started, and she led for many years… always coming up with new ways to live out her faith. I always thought she would go anywhere and do anything to help those she loved! My life is richer for memories of her Zumba dancing in Wisconsin, meeting people at the US General Assembly and being part of International Worship services, being enthusiastically welcoming in Dumaguete with huge smiles, mangoes, and SO MANY things she wanted to show us and teach us. She was beloved in the villages of Negros Island, Mama to all!
Despite the poor health of her final years, she never stopped passionately caring for the church and the church cared back for her! Her good works will live on through the lives of those she touched. I am grateful that she touched my life, not only through the hard work she did on behalf of others, but also for memories of her thoughtfulness, joyful interactions and selfless love.