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With love and fond memories of Atche Tina; 79

By Al S. Mendoza

ATCHE Tina Pasaoa-Rivera has passed on, a sad news I received by e-mail from her son, Noel. 

I give the floor now to Noel in a bid to preserve the purity of a touching obituary from a son to his mother.  Here:

“Tito Al and Tita Sol,

Medyo surprise ang timing. I hope you are doing well during the holidays.

Magkasama na sila sa taas (with my Dad, Hermie).

“She passed away peacefully after her long battle with the Big C.”

Noel’s poignant piece:

“Cristina Pasaoa-Rivera, a long-time resident of Fremont, Newark and Sunnyvale, California, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2018 at the age of 79.

“She was born April 21, 1939 to Alberto Pasaoa and Gerarda Mendoza in Dagupan City, Pangasinan.              

“She was the eldest of three siblings (Ricardo and Alberto, Jr., both deceased).

“On June 26, 1965, Hermenegildo (deceased 2016) and Cristina were married at the original site of Saint John Cathedral in Dagupan City. 

They were married 50 years.

“Cristina is survived by her children Emmanuel, Antonio, Charina, Gerardo, Hermenegildo, Jr., daughters-in-law Bethany Robison-Rivera and Stacey Alvarado-Rivera, son-in-law William “Bill’ Cesano, adopted daughter Josephine Siapno Mason and husband Roger Mason.

“Cristina’s daughter, Maria Christine Rivera-Cesano, had preceded her in death at age 38.

“Cristina left behind a legacy of love and gratitude for her grandchildren Keana (25), Leila Rose (11), Nikolus Isiah (20), Grant Samuel (25), Louis Vincent (21) and Shelby Lee Mason (21).

“She attended West Central Elementary (General Douglas MacArthur’s 1945 WW II headquarters), Dagupan City High School, and Orient College with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Home Economics.

“Before migrating to the U.S. on March 21, 1983, with her family, she was a home economics teacher for 25 years at Dagupan City National High School. In the U.S, she worked at Kidango Pre-school and Montessori School in Fremont/Newark, California.

“Tina” was a contributor to charities, namely Home of Peace (Missionaries of Charity of Dagupan, Lucao District) and Destino Cares Foundation, CA, which she founded with her daughters, Maria Christine and Charina.

“She was a gracious host to Filipino boxers, trainers and sports and media personalities. She was a lifetime and active member of the Dagupenian Association of America.

“She was a mentor and loyal friend to many.

Viewing and celebration of her life was held on Dec. 26 at Fremont Memorial Chapel, followed by Church services on Dec. 27 at Saint Edward’s Catholic Church in Newark, CA.

“Members of the Rivera family are grateful for the condolences.

“Love and help each other and especially those in need,” she loved to say.

I will always cherish the many lunches and lunches I shared with Atche Tina and Hermie in their charming Newark home shaded by orange trees in San Francisco, CA.

Dear God, embrace them in your kingdom without end.

Happy New Year!

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