Simona G. Cecil's Obituary
Simona Galasa Apasen CecilAugust 9, 1950 – May 15, 2017Simona Galasa Apasen Cecil was born in the Philippines in the Province of Sagpat, Kibungan, Benguet on August 9, 1950.She met her husband Allen in 1983, and arrived in the United States in January 1988 with her 3 sons. Allen and Simona married in March 1988, and eventually settled in Union City, California.She proudly became a United States citizen on Sept. 24, 1996.For many years, Simona worked at Beacon Gas (later Valero) as a station Manager. She eventually retired in early 2000’s.In 2004 Simona graduated from Heald College with a degree in Computer Technology.During her spare time, Simona involved herself in many volunteer activities. She was very devoted to the church, and was a catechism teacher both in the Philippines and in the United States. She was an active member of St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Union City. She taught catechism there, and was involved in a lot of St. Anne related social clubs. In addition, she was a volunteer representative with the Community Ambassador Program for Seniors (CAPS) in Fremont, California.Simona was an original member of BIBAK NC at its founding in 1991. This is a cultural organization composed of members from several provinces in the mountainous Northern Luzon region of the Philippines. She has always been a loyal and active member of BIBAK NC, and coordinated many of the casino fundraising events, as well as the annual Christmas Party. She was the BAP Coordinator in 2016. In 2017, she was elected president of the Organization. She cherished and valued her membership with the organization.Simona loved traveling, and with her husband, they visited many places within the United States. She loved traveling by train and several times made a train trip from the Bay Area to Reno Nevada. She also made a train trip across country from Maricopa Arizona to Houston Texas. The highlight of her travels though was a trip to Italy in September 2005. It was here that she fulfilled one of her lifelong goals – that of visiting the Vatican, and entering St. Peter’s basilica. She also went on several day trips to visit various other sites near the Napoli region of Italy, but she was most fond of the trip to Rome and the Vatican.Simona is survived by her spouse Allen; her sons Anthony Mauting Jr. and Remigio Mauting (from a prior marriage); their wives Priscilla and Marissa, and her single grandchild – Justin Tyler Mauting. She is also survived by her 5 sisters – Teresita Apasen, Morena Baldo, Ana Ngayodan, Carmelita Victorino, and Regina Galasa.Simona was a bright light and touched the lives of many people. She had a beautiful smile and was happiest when with friends and family gathered around her.In late 2016, Simona was diagnosed with advanced stage lung cancer. She fought a valiant battle against it for many months, but sadly succumbed on the afternoon of May 15, 2017. She will be sorely missed by all the family and friends that knew her.
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