Romana “Mona'' Songco De La Cruz was born in the Pampanga Province of the Philippines on February 28, 1927 to Lorenzo Songco and Selvera Alviz. She was surrounded by her loving family when she peacefully passed away on April 20, 2024.
Mona earned a Bachelor's degree and taught Home Economics in the Philippines. Here in the U.S., Mona worked in various jobs in manufacturing at Deutsche and Hughes Aircraft, enjoyed the challenge and cherished the friendship of many dear co-workers. She was very active in church and community events at Mission San Luis Rey. Additionally, she served in leadership roles in various Filipino-American groups throughout San Diego County, including the Filipino-American Cultural Organization (FACO). In fact, she was crowned Mrs. Senior Fil-Am Queen by FACO in 2013.
Hailing from Pampanga, Mona was known for her spectacular Filipino cooking skills and culinary delights. Gardening was her favorite hobby and Mona was a self-taught master gardener. Tending to her fruit trees and nurturing her backyard plants were some of her greatest passions.
She met the love of her life, Constante “Del” Castillo De La Cruz, on the tiny island of Guam and they were later united in marriage on September 11, 1954 in Manila, Philippines. They raised five children—Lorna, Alma, Larry, Constante “John,” and Leilani.
Del and Mona were avid travelers and loved meeting new faces and exploring fascinating places. They took art classes together, won trophies in bowling leagues, and were much respected pillars of the communities they proudly belonged to. Extended family of cousins, aunts and uncles around the globe were their compass and guiding light. The ultimate source of their joy was their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Del and Mona were married for nearly 55 years before Del passed away in 2009.
As the proud wife of a United States Marine, she and the family traveled and lived in an array of places throughout the U.S. and the Philippines. Oceanside, California, remained Mona’s hometown for decades. Throughout the years, Mona enjoyed so many neighbors and friends in Oceanside, across the country and abroad.
Without question, Mona’s greatest love was her family. She is survived by her daughter Lorna De La Cruz, daughter Alma Gossman, son Larry De La Cruz, son Constante “John” De La Cruz & daughter-in-law Carrie Lopez, daughter Leilani Sanchez & son-in-law Kenneth, and former daughter-in-law Debbie Carradus Hopper. She will be missed by her beautiful grandchildren who affectionately called her “Lola”: Christopher De La Cruz, Jessica Gossman, Stacie & Patrick Barreiro, Stephanie Gossman, Cristina & Jaime Villalobos, Bradley & Jen De La Cruz, Blake De La Cruz, Ciara & Tanner Sanchez-Smith, and Kelsey Sanchez. Her great-grandchildren—who especially brought her joy—include: Paxton Barreiro, Finnley Barreiro, Auri De La Cruz, Ozzy De La Cruz, Adelina Villalobos, and Alaïa Villalobos.
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