Divina M Abao's Obituary
Divina M. Abao loved her life. It was simple, but full of love, laughter and food.Born to Guillermo “Tatay Emong” Manuel and Felicitas “Nanay Feling” Divinagracia on May 7, 1933 in the Philippines. She was a child during World War II and lived through the Japanese occupation of the Philippines. She witnessed the liberation of the country by the United States.Divina attended elementary school at Burgos Elementary School, High School at Centro Escolar University and college at the University of the East with Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management. She married Marcelino Abao and was blessed with three children: Herminia, Cecilia and Lucas whom she adored.She tended the family’s Sari-Sari store in Santa Mesa helping out her parents. Even with the early hours of the store, she always made sure that her children had their “baons” (lunches/snacks) every single day.In the mid 80’s, she migrated to America and retired in the Bay Area staying mostly in Hayward. She enjoyed spending time staying alternately with her children’s families and helping out when necessary — cleaning and babysitting her grandchildren. She loved watching her children and 7 grandchildren grow up and was very proud of their achievements. Over the past few years, she also enjoyed spending time with her 4 great-grandchildren.Not ever one to mince her words, Divina is known for her sayings. For example, while trying to get her grandchildren to eat, she would always say, “You have to eat everything on your plate to get a job.”She loved cooking. Once she knew what your favorite meal was, you can expect it whenever she saw you. She also enjoyed gardening and can grow just about anything.Divina passed away on June 5, 2016 surrounded by her family.Divina is preceded in death by her husband, Marcelino by less than 5 months. She is survived by her 3 children: Herminia Cruz, Cecilia Vitug and Lucas Abao; 7 grandchildren: Marc Cruz, Madelene Kane, Jeremy Vitug, Elizabeth Abao, Levi Abao, Sarah Abao and Tim Divinagracia; and 4 great-grandchildren: Nathan Kane, Kevin Kane, Ethan Huffman-Cruz and Emmalene Huffman-Cruz.
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