Carisma L. Cortedano

At the young age of 13, our beloved daughter Carisma Lucille Cortedano passed away at Seattle Children's Hospital on Friday, November 12, 2021 after a long and courageous battle against cancer. Surrounded by the love of her family and her big sister, who lovingly watched over her, Carisma took God's hand and entered into eternal life. 

Carisma will never be forgotten, and will forever be missed; as part of our family has left us. She is survived by her Mother, Deneta Iglesias, Father, David Cortedano, Big Sister, Divina Cortedano, her Abuela, Maria Ines Guerrero, loving Aunts, Ayala, Sabina, Venus, Damaris & DeAnn, her loving uncles, Raymond, Scott, Frederick, Miguel, Billy, Gabrielle & Jairo. Her cousins, Aleeya, Coltrane, Simone, Alaina, Casey, D'lynn & Jeremiah.

Carisma is predeceased by her Lola, Lucille H. Iglesias, her Lolo, Freddie Agujar Iglesias, Uncles, Carlos, Christo, Douglas, Harry, & Tomas.

Carisma was born in May of 2008 in Seattle, WA. A very curious, charming, and lively child, she loved spending her time with family, especially her older sister Divina. Being with her cousins, Aleeya, Simone & Coltrane gave her much joy. She was the baby of the bunch and fit the role perfectly, "Do you love cousins? -Ohh yes...like awesome like everydayyyy!". Her spirit was out of this world, she filled our lives with laughter, love, & mischief. She had big curious brown eyes, a beautiful smile, and warm hugs. She was mommy's cuddle bear, daddy's little Chucky, and her sister’s #1 fan. A master at having fun and being mischievous. She had a tender and caring heart, she was strong, brave, and smart. She was fierce and a force to be reckoned with. Our world has lost a shining light.

Throughout her life Carisma dealt with adversity, but she never let any of it take away from the bright light that she shined upon us. She overcame many of the obstacles that were placed upon her. She lived her life with grace knowing that she was often misunderstood, and things did not come easy for her. She had to work harder and that she did, she never gave up. Or as she would say, "Don't big up!”  

Carisma was in her 8th grade year at Dimmitt Middle School. She had a natural ability to build, reinvent and design. She loved science, math, art, robotics and legos. She spent every summer at Lakeridge Swim Club and was a member of the swim team. She loved dancing on the blocks, pushing the coaches in the water after a win and cherished every moment with her team, especially her coaches. One of her final wishes was to be back in the water.

Carisma was a very strong person both mentally and physically. She trained with IMB Seattle where she learned the Filipino Martial Art of Eskrima and would take part in team demonstrations at local events and at the annual Pista Sa Nayon festival. At a younger age, Carisma enjoyed dance and took ballet lessons at the Renton Community Center and was a member of the Kalahi Philippine Folk Dance Company as well. Carisma had a love and devotion to God and her church. She took pride in being an Altar Server at Immaculate Conception church and she often asked to return to service as soon as she got better. She was raised in love and faith by her family and her family at Immaculate Conception.

Thank you to Seattle Children's Hospital, especially Carisma's care team, Dr. Michelle Ting, Dr. Tim Ohlsen, Dr. Antoinette Lindberg, Dr. Joanna Patten, Dr. Abby Rosenberg, Sue Ehling, ARNP, Kristin Gard, ARNP, Sarah Warren, Gretchen Von Heeder-Phillips, Sarah Cheever, Jacob Ross, Lindsay Johnson, Child Life, Palliative Care, the amazing nurses and CMA's. Carisma received the best care in the world and was cared for by a team of compassionate people who always made her feel safe, important, heard, loved, well cared for and treated as if she was part of their own family.  

Thank you to Dimmitt Middle School, her teachers, counselors, and staff, especially principal Gioia Pitts and Young Chang-Miller.  Thank you for supporting our family and Carisma. You never forgot her, you made her feel special, accepted, supported and loved. 

Thank you to our community and friends who have given so kindly & generously to help our family during this unimaginable time. Our Immaculate Conception family, Legion of Mary, Aunty Mely, and all who prayed for us. Our family was lifted up by the love and support by all and we are eternally grateful.

A child raised in love by a village. Carisma had a large extended family; Jinka, Ramos, Cunningham, Gipson, Neri, Conanan, Fontanos, Dibba & Silvernale families enriched her life with their love and guidance. They are apart of her most celebrated childhood memories and have been by our family's side during our darkest moments.

Lastly, I know Carisma would want this to be said in hopes it would touch at least one persons heart and mind. Carisma genuinely loved and accepted everyone for who they are. She’d want people to remember to love themselves and one another; to know that they are loved and are not alone. In times of sadness and loneliness, remember to believe in yourselves, to not give up & have faith that God will help you find your way. She is now in heaven watching over us, her light that has left us is now a guiding light among the stars.

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