Cleofe J. Cayanan

Cleofe Jaramilla Cayanan was born on February 16, 1927 in Santa Cruz, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. She was the youngest child of Ricardo Jaramilla and Anselma De Ocampo. After high school, Cleofe entered a vocational school to focus on dressmaking and cosmetology in Baguio City, Philippines.

She married Narciso Fernando Cayanan, a military man in the Philippine Army, on February 19, 1947 in Santa Cruz, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. They had 7 children (Arturo, Genaro, Antonio, Elizabeth, Virgie, Annie, and Narciso, Jr.). Cleofe and Narciso traveled all over the Philippines and settled in Fort Bonifacio, Makati, Philippines.

Cleofe became a widow on September 20, 1970 and continued to raise her children on her own. Her eldest child had joined the United States Navy and was able to petition her to join him and his family in the United States. She immigrated to San Diego, California in 1976.

Cleofe worked at Community Convalescent Home in the laundry department in La Mesa, California. In addition, to her job at Community Convalescent Home, Cleofe was also a seamstress who made beautiful gowns as well as uniforms for nurses. She worked for 11 years and retired at the age of 65.

When Cleofe’s son, Antonio, passed away at the age of 33 in 1984, Cleofe adopted and raised his children, Christopher and Kristine Cayanan. Adopting her 2 grandchildren and providing them with opportunities was one of her greatest accomplishments.

Cleofe was a very generous woman. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were always “surprised” with envelopes on their birthdays and any special occasion. She also financed her grand-niece’s college education in the Philippines. And she always sent boxes of goodies to her extended family back home.

Education was very important to Cleofe. She always encouraged her grandchildren to further their education. In fact, it was always a proud day when any of her grandchildren would graduate from college.

Cleofe enjoyed going back to the Philippines for vacations to visit her nieces, nephews and their families, going to the casinos, playing Bingo at her friend’s house, watching over her many grandchildren, playing card games such as solitaire and watching soap operas on The Filipino Channel.

Cleofe passed away on March 30, 2012, leaving many with a heavy heart. She is survived by her 2 sons (Genaro and Junior), 3 daughters (Elizabeth, Virgie, and Annie), 3 sons-in-law (Francisco Canapi Jr, Sixto Brucelo, Francisco Vinluan), and 4 daughters-in-law (Visitacion, Elsie, Estelita, Glynis), 22 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren. Our matriarch, Nanang, as she was called by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will be greatly missed.