Alma S. Bannett

Alma Salentandre Labastida Bannett, born and raised in Maasin, Southern Leyte, Philippines, passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 21, 2024, after a long battle with metastatic breast cancer. She was 81 years old.

In 1967, at 24 years old, Alma bravely journeyed on her own to the United States, arriving in Philadelphia, PA. In 1968, she met her husband, Roger Bannett, and they married in 1969. Alma earned her bachelor's degree in Microbiology from Silliman University in the Philippines, followed by a master's degree in Microbiology from Thomas Jefferson University in 1994. She worked as a medical technologist at various hospitals, including Presbyterian Hospital West Philadelphia, Abington Memorial Hospital, Frankford Hospital Torresdale, and St. Mary Hospital in Langhorne. Additionally, Alma served as an adjunct instructor of microbiology at Manor Junior College.

Alma was a creative talent who succeeded in many artistic endeavors throughout her life. A skilled pianist, she studied under respected jazz teachers in the Philadelphia area, including Dennis Sandole, Curtis Harmon, and Jimmy Amadie. In the 1980s, she also shared her musical talent as a piano teacher. Alma was an accomplished potter for many decades, running a small pottery business called Mod Mud.

In addition to her artistic pursuits, Alma had a deep love for travel, which took her to some of the world’s ancient civilizations like Machu Picchu, Petra in Jordan, Mayan ruins, and the Egyptian Pyramids.

Her other great passion was gardening, particularly orchids. She was an active member of the Bucks County Orchid Society and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Orchid Society, and her orchids earned her recognition and awards at various Orchid Shows.

Alma was the daughter of the late Faustino Labastida and Generosa Salentandre Labastida. 

In addition to her husband, Roger, Alma is survived by her children, Tracy Levesque and Gregory Bannett, daughter-in-law, Mia Levesque; and granddaughter, Josephine Generosa Levesque. She is also survived by her siblings: Roy Labastida, Beaulah Labastida, Gomer Labastida, and Daisy Tiu, along with numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews in the Philippines and the US.

Relatives and friends are invited to her funeral service at 11 a.m, Saturday, January 4, 2025 at Reed and Steinbach Funeral Home, 2335 Lower State Road, Doylestown, where the family will greet guests from 10 a.m., until the time of the service. Interment will follow in Doylestown Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions Alma's name may be made to the Association on American Indian Affairs, 966 Hungerford Dr #30A, Rockville, MD 20850 or the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37839, Boone, IA 50037-0839

Alma will be missed, but her unique spirit and memory will live on with everyone who knew her.