Henrietta N. Cervantes' Obituary
Henrietta N. Cervantes August 11, 1937 – July 12, 2019 Henrietta “Nene”, “Nina” Nalam Cervantes was born August 11, 1937 in Tigbauan, Iloilo, Philippines to Juan Nalam and Francisca Toledo. She graduated with high honors from Silliman University in 1951 with a B.S. in Nursing and also scored in the Top 10 in the nationwide Philippine nursing board exams, before emigrating to the United States. She married Macario Salvador Cervantes in 1966. In 1976, they moved to Union City with their 3 children. During her working years, Nene lovingly raised her family and still managed to have time for growing orchids, ballroom dancing with relatives and friends, camping at the lake on weekends with extended family, and RV’ing. She welcomed relatives to live in her home so they could focus on education while advancing their careers. As an operating room nurse, Nene practiced in the Philippines, Maryland, Texas, and California. Her nursing career spanned 40 years. She was awarded Nurse of the Year in 1991. She retired from Kaiser Permanente, Hayward, in 2004. After retirement, she enjoyed volunteering on medical missions with Rotoplast International, cooking, traveling, attending family and school reunions, and spending time with her grandchildren, friends, and fellow Kaiser retirees. As a devoted wife, she cared for Macario for 20+ years after his stroke. She was a devout Catholic, hosting and attending many prayer groups. Nene was a very caring person with a big heart. Her bright smile and positive outlook inspired the confidence to succeed for many people who knew her. She was considered the Mom of all Moms in that she extended her motherly love and kindness to those who needed a mother figure at various points in their lives. Nene passed peacefully on July 12, 2019, surrounded by her children and family at home. She was loved by many and is survived by her husband Macario; children Michael (Millie), Michelle (Chris), and Joel (Gaynelle); grandsons Evan Greyson and Carson; and brother Demosthenes Nalam. She was predeceased by her parents Juan and Francisca Nalam; brothers Nathaniel and Edmund; and granddaughter Natalie Faith. Visitation will be held Thursday, August 8, 2019, from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM and Friday, August 9, 2019, from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM with a Vigil Service at 7:00 PM at Chapel of the Chimes Hayward, 32992 Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA 94544. Family and friends are welcome to attend a Mass on Saturday, August 10, 2019, at 11:00 AM at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, 32223 Cabello St., Union City, CA 94587. Internment to follow at Chapel of the Chimes Hayward.
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