Nieves Butao was born on September 9, 1926 in the city of Zamboanga, Philippines. She was the first of 9 children born to the family of Bienvenido Carballo and Conchita Caberte. Soon afterwards they moved to the province of Negros Occidental where she spent her childhood years in school and caring for her siblings.

Nieves and her pre-deceased husband, Manuel Butao, were blessed with 8 children, 11 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren who were always her pride and joy!

She migrated to Canada to establish roots for the remaining family in 1977. After the loss of her husband in 1977, Nieves felt it was important to keep herself occupied and began working at the Canadian School Fairfax Studio for 12 years until she retired at 65.

She filled the next 27 years with the things that kept her heart full; charities, family and friends. She served for many years as Treasurer to charity organizations which aimed at raising funds through special events. It was in these events where she bloomed as a queen of ballroom dancing.

Surrounded by loved ones on March 25, 2019, Nieves peacefully walked into the light. We are eternally grateful for our time with her and will miss her immensely.

She will always be our Queen bee.