Teresita Valdez Manzano

Teresita Valdez Manzano was born on April 21, 1936 in Tagudin, Ilocos Sur, Philippines to Prudencio Valdez and Salud Ludivero. However, her birth date was recorded as May 1, 1936 on her birth certificate. Our family always celebrates her birthday as April 21. She was the fourth oldest child of ten children and is survived by her siblings: Melchora Lilia V. Lastimoza, Luz Valdez Lanuzo, Erotido Ludivero Valdez, Artemio Ludivero Valdez, and Myrna Valdez Dulay. In her youth, Teresita enjoyed playing softball, and was a beauty queen. In 1953, she met the love of her life, Jaime Lamarroza Manzano, while attending Far Eastern University. She graduated in 1958 with a Bachelor's degree in Education.

In 1958, Teresita married Jaime and joined him in Hawaii in 1963. Together, they had four children: Jaime Valdez Manzano Jr. (Alice), Lourdes Nenita Hizon (Romeo), John Manzano (Jennifer), and Shirley Manzano Cruz (Carmelo). From Hawaii, they moved to Washington D.C., and made their final home in San Diego, California in 1969. While her husband was in the Navy and overseas, Teresita was mother and father to their four children. Teresita loved to garden, sew, decorate, and take care of her eight grandchildren: Romeo Manzano Hizon III (Christine), Nikayla Hizon Speer (Caleb), Matthew Manzano Hizon, Nicholas Jaymes Cruz (Marjorie), Jasmin Marie Manzano, Ryan Jordan Cruz, Janelle Lyn Manzano, and Camrynne Shaye Cruz. She is also survived by her great grandchildren: Romeo James Hizon IV, Landon Oliver Speer, Layla Olivia Speer, Veda Lynn Hizon, and Penelope Gianna Cruz. She is affectionately known as Lola by her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Teresita was a very charitable and religious woman, always leading her life through God’s works. On her 84th birthday, April 21, 2020, she was called home by our Almighty Father, reuniting with loved ones long passed. She will forever watch over those who love and miss her. Rest in Peace Teresita, our beloved Ling, Manang, Mom, and Lola.