Fely Rabaino Acosta

Feliciana Rafanan Rabaino Acosta, loved by her family and friends as “Fely” and “Sianing”, was born on July 22, 1927 in Lubong, San Vicente, Ilocos Sur, Philippines to Braulio Raping Rabaino and Juana Rafanan Rabaino. Among her family, she died peacefully in her home on August 6, 2021. Fely will always be remembered as a loving wife, loyal mother, caring grandmother, and a strong, confident Filipina that all knew and respected.

In her younger years she went to live with her Aunties in Dagupan where she worked at the market selling a variety of goods. Because she was quite the business woman with her charming personality and great skills, she caught the attention of Silverio Acosta who would later become her future father-in-law. He introduced Fely to his eldest son, Elbert Sapiera Acosta Sr. and they fell in love. Four years later, Elbert Sr. and Fely married on June 6, 1949. Together, they built an amazing life with their 7 children: Bernardito, Elbert, Bert, Bill, Jerry, Glenn, and Julie.

While Elbert Sr. served the United States Navy and earned a decorated naval career as CPO (Chief Petty Officer), Fely was dedicated to the wellbeing of her family, children and community.

In 1956, with her tenacity and money sewn to the seam of her dress, she immigrated to America with her 4 sons while Elbert Sr. was at sea. They first settled in San Francisco, then Long Beach, Concord, Alameda, Lemoore, and lastly, Milpitas. Later, Fely and Elbert Sr. had their last 3 children. While Elbert Sr. was away, she raised and disciplined her children; she sometimes had a running list of any misbehavior done by her children that she wanted Elbert Sr. to take care of when he returned. To support her family, she worked from 1969 to the early 1990s. Fely worked at UCSF through the week as a cafeteria cashier and walked to and from her home on Judah Street, while her family lived in Milpitas. She sacrificed much of her time away from her family in order to support all of her children and provide them with opportunities. Because of her sacrifices, she was able to enjoy the fruits of her labor through her successful children and growing family.

As proud Filipinos in America, Fely and Elbert Sr. were actively involved in many different Filipino Associations. Together they founded the Lemoore Filipino Association, where Fely advocated for her Filipino community by protecting her neighbors and mediating in any disputes. She was also a member of the UPA (United Pangasinan Association), Milpitas Filipino Association and served a Presidential term for the Calasiao Senor Divino Tesoro Association.

After retiring, Fely and Elbert Sr. traveled the world and spent all of their time together. They went to beautiful places such as Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, the Bahamas, and also went on a month-long road trip through the United States. They enjoyed dancing together, waltzing to the songs of Perry Como, and went on romantic Sunday drives. They adored each other and their love was unmatched. Fely and Elbert Sr. were happily married for a loving 68 years before his passing on May 17, 2018.

Fely enjoyed spending time with family and organizing family get-togethers. It made her the happiest when family was around, and she loved being the center of attention at family parties, picnics, and reunions. During the holiday season, she loved making lumpia with her grandchildren and sharing stories and laughs with her children. Fely enjoyed playing the slot machines, and watching Family Feud, Wheel of Fortune, and Jeopardy. She was an enthusiastic Bay Area Sports fan and was loyal to the San Francisco Giants and the Golden State Warriors; she stayed up late into the night if the Giants went to extra innings or the Warriors went into overtime.

Among all that Fely has accomplished, her proudest accomplishment is sponsoring her family members for their immigration to America. Through Fely and Elbert Sr., the Rabaino and Acosta family could also enjoy the same blessings and opportunities that America has to offer. Because of Fely and Elbert Sr.’s loyalty and love to their family, the Acosta family can celebrate family reunions with well over a 100 people.

Fely leaves behind her 2 siblings Flora and Badong, her 7 children, 18 grandchildren and their spouses, and 11 great grandchildren, with a 12th on the way. She will be forever revered as the matriarch to the Rabaino and Acosta family who cared and loved for each of her children, grandchildren, siblings, cousins, nephews, and nieces. Fely Rabaino Acosta was a strong and fierce Filipino woman who made an immeasurable impact for the Acosta family and Filipino communities.