Wilfrida Luis Villanuave Hernandez's Obituary
Wilfrida Luis Villanueva HernandezJanuary 17, 1923 – August 18, 2017 (Nanay) Wilfrida a long time resident of Union City, CA, died peacefully in her sleep Friday, August 18, 2017, 11:30 p.m. at Washington Hospital, Fremont, CA. Nanay Wilfrida was born on January 17, 1923, got married during the war on April 13, 1944, to Alfonso Castro Hernandez at the Nuestra Senora Dela Asuncion Catholic Church in Bulakan, Bulacan, Philippines. Together they had 10 children: Victorino (Grace Gatus), Alfonso Jr., Angelito (Janet Abedania), Marina, Gerardo (Malou Capacia), Rosalia (Lemuel Abdon), Diosdado (Aura Medina), Conrado (Bing Sayon), and the twins Maria Victoria and Maria Teresa a.k.a – Mari-Tess (Ray Sarmiento). She is survived by 5 of her children, Marina, Gerardo, Diosdado, Conrado and Mari-Tess, her 20 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren, most of whom live here in the United States. Before she got married, Nanay Wilfrida taught Calisthenics exercises in Bulakan during the Japanese regime and Catechism. She married and moved to the big city of Manila. Not only was she a loving housewife, a caring mother and a disciplinarian mentor to her children; she was also busy running a Barangay position as an active treasurer and an organizer of the Barangay events (e.g. Big Fiesta/Festival and Santa Cruzan). Although Nanay Wilfrida moved to Manila, she never forgot where she came from. She and her family always visited and gave back to her hometown Bulakan. Every Lenten season, Nanay Wilfrida, together with her husband Alfonso, would sponsor the Maundy Thursday “Pabasa”, a prayer recitation of the last days of Jesus Christ, as well as the Fiesta in Bulacan held towards the end of the year, every December 3rd. Nanay Wilfrida’s involvement to her hometown continued up to her last breath. The family will remember her legacy and will continue the traditions that she left behind. In 1980, Nanay Wilfrida and Alfonso settled in Union City, CA. She devoted herself to caring for her children and grandchildren. As a grandmother, she was very loving and attentive to her grandchildren’s every wish and need. A Mother’s example sketches the outline of her child’s character….when we look back and think about all the sacrifices you have made for your children and grandchildren, saying “Thank You” seems very small and it’s not enough. Nanay, you truly have set the example of what love, faith, strength and family really mean and it is because of you that we are all better people. God said well done my faithful servant, well done. We Love You Nanay, we will miss you!
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