Seferina G. Bernal

Seferina. What a beautiful name. I first heard the name Seferina more than 25 years ago when my bride, Viola, introduced me to her parents for the first time in 1987. I remember telling Viola at the time that I really thought that her mom's name, Seferina, was such a beautiful name. It wasn't until 25 years later that I would be qualified to both "measure and attest" to just how beautiful of a name, and person, Seferina truly was, and just what she has meant to me, and all of us.

Please allow me to share a little bit about the Seferina that forever touched my heart, whom we all know and love.

Seferina was born "Seferina Garcia" on April 1, 1930 in Corpus Christi, Texas. She was the daughter of Alberto and Viola Garcia, who had seven children: Alberto, Mary, Pete, Viola, Seferina, Santa, Theresa and Rudy.

When Seferina was 23 years old, she was married to Absalon Bernal on September 30, 1951. We all know Absalon Bernal as: Dad, Grandfather, or Bernie. Bernie served and retired from the U.S. Navy, which provided a happy life for raising a family.

Seferina and Bernie were happily married for 46 years and had 6 children: Mary, Jerry, Felina, Viola, Roman and Michelle. Seferina and Bernie also had 14 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

Seferina loved music. Music made her happy. She would instantly smile and start tapping her feet whenever she heard music, especially if the music was one of her favorite songs.

I can attest that in more than 25 years of knowing Seferina as her Son-in-Law, I never one heard Seferina criticize or make a hurtful comment about anyone. She chose instead, to uplift and encourage people whom she met with Christian love.

Seferina was the epitome of unselfishness. She spent her entire live giving to others. She always put other people first. Seferina was hesitant to accept credit for anything, preferring instead, to honor others, while always giving ultimate credit to God.

Seferina was an investor - a very wise and seasoned investor. She did not have millions of dollars and she did not possess worldly titles, but she was an investor. She invested in human capital. She gave her love, patience, understanding, compassion and a living endeavor to emulate. Her investment in people as a Christian let many people to desire and have a relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

Seferina was a wise investor. She invested heavily in her children, and her return on investment is visible and apparent by the love and unselfishness that I have witnessed in: Mary, Jerry, Felina, Viola, Roman and Michelle. Yes, Seferina was an investor - a very wise and seasoned investor. Her legacy includes 28 direct descendants. Seferina has invested in our collective family and "tree-of-live", and shall live on in perpetuity to bring glory to God. So you see - Seferina was an investor- a very wise and seasoned investor.

In Psalms 32:8, The Lord sayeth, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your live. I will advise you, and watch over you." Seferina had a blessed life on this earth, and was, indeed, guided along a pathway that intersected our lives, while bringing glory to God almighty.

As we gather here today to remember Seferina, let us celebrate her live, honor her memory, and have faith in knowing that we shall all reunite with Seferina again in the Kingdom of Heaven with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Seferina -MOM- I love you.