Obituaries

Cristina Pasaoa Rivera, long-time resident of Fremont, Newark and Sunnyvale, California passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 20, 2018 at the age of 79.She was born April 21, 1939 to the late Alberto Pasaoa and Gerarda Mendoza in Dagupan City, Pangasinan (Philippines).

She was the eldest of three siblings (with late brothers Ricardo and Alberto, Jr.).

On June 26, 1965, Hermenegildo (deceased 2016) and Cristina were married at the original site of Saint John Cathedral. They were married for 50 years. She is survived by her children Emmanuel, Antonio, Charina, Gerardo, Hermenegildo, Jr., daughters-in-law Bethany Robison-Rivera and Stacie Alvarado-Rivera, son-in-law William “Bill’ Cesano, adopted daughter Josephine Siapno Mason and husband Roger Mason.

Her daughter Maria Christine Rivera-Cesano preceded her in death at age 38.

Cristina leaves behind a legacy of love and gratitude for her grandchildren Keana (25), Leila Rose (11), Nikolus Isiah (20), Grant Samuel (25), Louis Vincent (21) and Shelby Lee Mason (21).

She attended West Central Elementary (General Douglas MacArthur’s 1945 WW II headquarters), Dagupan City High School and Orient College with a Bachelors of Arts in Home Economics.

Before migrating to the United States of America on March 21, 1983 with her family, she worked as a home economics teacher for twenty five years at Dagupan City National High School. Later in life, she was employed by Kidango Pre-school and Montessori School in Fremont/Newark California.

“Tina” was a contributor to charities, namely Home of Peace (Missionaries of Charity of Dagupan, Lucao District) and Destino Cares Foundation, CA (which she founded with her daughters Maria Christine and Charina). She was a gracious host to Filipino boxers, trainers and sports and media personalities. She was a lifetime and active member of the Dagupenian Association of America.

She was a mentor and loyal friend to many.

Viewing and celebration of her life is scheduled for Wednesday, December 26, 2018(4:00-8:00 PM) at Fremont Memorial Chapel at 3723 Peralta Boulevard, Fremont. With a Vigil service at 6:30 PM. Church service will be held Thursday, December 27, 2018 (10:30 AM) at St. Edward’s Catholic Church at 5788 Thornton Avenue, Newark.

Friends and family are cordially invited and encouraged to share their favorite memories and stories. “Love and help each other and especially those in need,” she always used to say.