Marie Christine Bacalocos Mandegarian

Sienna Altamont Care Community

Toronto Residents 159

Infected residents 86 (as of Thursday)

Deaths 28

Infected staff 5 Staff deaths 1

“My mom was our hero, she died doing what she loved.”

Fighting back her tears, the daughter of Christine Mandegarian — Toronto’s first long-term care worker to die from COVID-19 — describes her mother as an exuberant presence with an enormous capacity to love.

“My mom cared for her residents like they were her own family members,” said Janelyne Mandegarian.

“She was always optimistic, despite the health issues she had over time. She was determined to not let it hold her back.”

Mandegarian, who passed away April 15 — just one week before her 56th birthday — worked at Sienna Altamont Care Community for 31 years as a personal support worker.

In the weeks before her death, Mandegarian described on Facebook her trepidation for going into work during the outbreak.

“I am a little bit scared, but duty calls,” she wrote.

She leaves behind a husband, daughter Janelyne and son Paul, a 3D artist at Toronto video game developer Ubisoft.

Born in the western Visayas region of the Philippines, Mandegarian was a sweet, pure soul who lived to serve others — a trait her daughter says she was proud to inherit.

“I’m a nurse because of my mom,” she said.

“We are her legacy, and I’m incredibly proud.”

Mandegarian was the second Greater Toronto Area health-care worker to die from COVID-19 — a 58-yearold cleaner at Brampton Civic Hospital died from COVID-19 the previous week.

“The chaos and havoc this CORONAVIRUS is so scary!” wrote Mandegarian on Facebook in March. “Always pray before going to work that everything will be OK!”

For those left behind, her optimism and faith will be what her loved ones remember.

“We love you mom,” wept Janelyne.

“We miss you.”