She was a public servant and was elected as the first woman mayor of Olongapo City. She was involved in many different private humanitarian efforts and was the second Filipina recipient of the Pearl S. Buck International Woman of the Year Award in 2002.

She is survived by her children - Veronica Gordon-Lorenzana, Barbara Gordon-Delos Reyes, Cecille Gordon-Mullen, Richard Gordon, James Gordon and Imelda Deza.

Her remains lie at Santuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park, Makati, until Thursday and will be transferred to Olongapo City Friday.