JULITA R. JOSUE's Obituary
Julita R. Josue January 20, 1958 – February 12, 2018 Dearly loved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, Julita Ramos Josue surrounded by her family peacefully passed away at Kaiser Fremont Medical Center in Fremont, CA the morning of February 12, 2018. Julita, also known as Nanay Lolong, was born in Malaybalay, Bukidnon, Philippines. Daughter of late Jose Ramos Sr., a 2nd Lieutenant in the Philippine Constabulary, a Private in the Army of United States Philippine Scouts shortly after WWII, and Laura Vargas Ramos, mother of nine. Julita grew up with her siblings Jose Jr., Elizabeth, Marietta, Ophelia, Norberto, Marivic, Rodrigo and Regin Rex in Malaybalay, Bukidnon, in their ancestral home right next to the Philippine Constabulary barracks. According to her sisters, Julita was the favorite child because she was the prettiest. Her sisters would receive corporal punishment, but not her. She was sent to a university, but her younger siblings were only sent to a local college. Despite their sibling rivalry, they maintained a good, close relationship. Julita pursued a Baccalaureate Degree in Agriculture at Central Mindanao University—a campus not too far from her hometown. It was there where she did not only finish her degree, but also discovered the desire to promote the welfare of others, leadership and community work, through the fraternity and sorority Alpha Phi Omega – Philippines, an organization that shares the same founding principles as APO-USA. It was also then where she found her love for all things botanical: gardening and farming. More importantly, it was there where she met the love of her life, Rey “Bong” Josue. Julita and Rey were sweethearts since their sophomore years in college. They married in September, 1981. Together they had five loving children: Mark, Rey II, Bernardo, Pamela and April. There are many things Julita will be remembered for. Among them was her brilliant cooking, affinity for flowers and natural ability to grow them, her care and compassion for others, her courageous and strong-willed character, her “super-mother” ability to juggle two different jobs while raising and putting kids through school, and her love for family. Julita was well-known for her delicious cooking. Her homemade fresh- or fried-lumpia, with freshly-made lumpia wrappers and handpicked ingredients, was simply the best. She made heavenly papaya pickles, complete with caramelized syrup and secret sauce. Her blood pudding (Filipino dinuguan) was one of a kind, and her macaroni salad was so good, it frequently crossed state lines from California to Washington. Julita loved gardening and farming. She had a knack for growing plants and making them bloom. She had a garden full of anthuriums, a variety of orchids, and roses. She was very enterprising and sold roses commercially. She taught her sons hard work and dedication by tasking them to pick out weeds from her flower garden and by helping out in the farm. Julita had a deeply compassionate heart, a devout Catholic. She was an active member, and at one point the president, of the Catholic Women’s League, San Isidro Parish in Musuan, Bukidnon. She also served as a council woman in the town of Musuan. Through the Catholic Women’s League and town council, she advocated for social justice to help offer comfort to the needy and marginalized. After immigrating to the United States in 2002, Julita helped run a business to care for those who couldn’t care for themselves. It is one of the most selfless acts she did in her lifetime. While she cared for others, her sons and daughters and her extended family, she cared little for herself. She lived simply and barely took any days off. She always put others first, even when her hands were full. Julita was courageous and strong-willed. She stood up for what she believed was right. She always stuck to her guns. She hid her disease from everyone except for her immediate family. She did not want to worry or burden anyone. She did not want pity—she had the heart of a warrior. If anyone asked, she would always say: “I’m okay.” She never wavered throughout her adversity. Julita lived by example. She was a hard-worker who didn’t do things half-heartedly. She woke up early and went to bed late. She always put her heart into everything she did. No matter the task—big or small—she always gave it 100%. There was nothing she loved more than the hustle and bustle of a busy home with lots of laughter of those she loved. Her smile was genuine which radiated kindness and love. Of all the countless things she taught her sons and daughters, the most important was to value family. She was an exceptional woman who loved her children. She was a proud mother. She was a doting grandmother. She was a loving wife. She was a generous and caring sister. Julita didn’t play favorites among her sons and daughters. Hours before she passed away, one of her sons asked “Nay, kinsa imong paborito sa among lima?” (Who is your favorite among us siblings?) While she couldn’t clearly speak anymore, she raised her hand and gestured “five.” She meant she loved every single one of them equally. Julita is survived by her loving husband Rey Josue, married 36 years; children Mark and wife Donna, Rey and fiancée Mariel, Bernardo and girlfriend Claire, Pamela and boyfriend John, and April and boyfriend Darnyl; grandson Max; siblings Jose Jr., Elizabeth, Marietta, Ophelia, Norberto, Rodrigo, their husbands and wives and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents Jose Ramos Sr. and Laura V. Ramos, and her sister Marvic and brother Regin Rex. Julita, Nanay Lolong’s memories will forever be cherished. She will forever remain in the hearts of her family and friends.
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