
Opinions
In Loving Memory of Erin Hembrador
Erin Hembrador passed away on Friday, October 28th, 2022 surrounded by family and friends. On October 1st, 2022, she had married her best friend and love, Elfren Raquin. It was a beautiful ceremony and a very fun and memorable reception. It was supposed to be the start of their long and happy life together. Unfortunately, the Lord had other plans for Erin. In the early morning of October 2nd, Erin suffered cardiac arrest, but was able to briefly recover with the aid of Elfren’s quick thinking and CPR administration, the care of amazing paramedics and the ER and ICU staff at St. Boniface Hospital. Erin’s remaining days were spent in hospital with the strong hope of returning to her new home and her other love, Levi. Although this did not come to pass, Erin’s family and friends can only reflect on those extra days with her as a gift.
As the only child of Severino and Ester (Monton) Hembrador, Erin was a blessing and a gift to her parents, whom she loved and cherished her entire life. Although Erin had no siblings, she grew up surrounded and loved by her large extended family of cousins, niece/nephews, aunts/uncles and grandparents. Erin had a unique personality with different facets that allowed her to connect to others in her distinctive way. She lived her life to the fullest and was able to touch the lives of everyone around her. She loved to travel, spend time with her family and friends and was full of joy and mischief. Erin’s laugh could always be heard at any gathering. She will forever be missed and remembered by her large extended family – Hembrador, Monton, Mercado, Senaris, Pilor, Phillips, Santiaguel, Toledo, Ordonez, Jose, Dela Cruz, Soriano, Urrutia, Aseo, and Raquin.
Erin’s loss will be felt, not just by those who loved her, but by the artistic community. She was an award-winning director, writer, sound editor/mixer and producer of many short films. Her first film “Piece of Mind” (April 2018) was nominated for Best Manitoba Director at the Gimli Film Festival and was the Winner of the Audience Choice Award, Best Actor and Best Actress. It was also broadcast on CBC Canadian Reflections. Erin’s film “Mansanas” (May 2021) was a finalist at the New York International Film Festival. “Mansanas” was the winner of the Best Prairie Short Film Award and her next film “Container” (August 2021, with filmmaking partner, Quan Luong) was the winner of the Best Canadian Short Film Award at the Fascinasian Film Festival this summer. Erin’s talents were being recognized in her field and she was considered a rising talent full of potential.
Erin’s family would like to thank all the health care professionals at St. Boniface who cared for Erin and all our family and friends for joining us as we celebrate and commemorate Erin’s life. Erin was a loving soul and she will always be remembered and forever missed by those who loved her.