Corazon Ballesteros Roxas

Our lives are like a musical composition- the notes are the people, places, events and memories that we have experienced throughout the years. In this song of life, Corazon Ballesteros Roxas was surely the composer. A very observant woman who would rather spend her time creating than talking, Corazon preferred to live in a world of harmony where everything around her made sense. A free spirit, Corazon also believed that actions spoke for themselves. She seemed to know what fit and what didn’t fit in everything she would do. Corazon seemed to live with a definite sense of purpose, but she perceived that all of life’s possibilities were open to her at any given time. She was a woman who was always ready to share her creativity with those around her.

From early on in her life, Corazon had a flair for the creative. She was born on January 2, 1919. She first greeted the world in Vintar, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. Her parents were Juan Ballesteros and Paula Ibana. She was raised in the Philippines. She used her imagination in most things she did while growing up. As a young child, Corazon was optimistic in her outlook. She sought out the possibilities in a given situation and looked for ways to apply her creative energies. She was the type of person who rarely called attention to herself, but would rather let her creative output speak for itself. However, when she did speak out, her message was clearly understood by those around her.

As she was growing up, Corazon developed into a person who enjoyed hands-on activities, whether it was drawing pictures, building model kits, or even just tapping out a rhythm to play by. In her spare time she loved to sew. Her creative side came to the surface quite often as a child.

Those who didn’t know Corazon well might not have viewed her as being an outgoing person, but those who called her their friend knew differently. She would truly open up and show her good humor with her close friends.

A person who was sensitive to others’ feelings, Corazon had the ability to become completely devoted to another soul when that affection was returned. This was very true when she met Silvestre Roxas. She exchanged wedding vows with Silvestre in the Philippines. As their family got started, Corazon felt her affection growing for Silvestre. Being together, no matter where, was for her, the very best thing she could imagine.

Corazon was exceptionally sympathetic and compassionate when it came to her children. These emotional bonds made her as much of a playmate as parent. She gave her family unconditional love and kindness, sharing her artistic nature by turning everyday events into creative playtime. She had three children, two boys, Rommy and Temie-Boy, and one daughter, LuLu. It wasn’t uncommon for her to find herself brimming with pride and joy over her children's accomplishments. Later on in her life, Corazon was blessed with nine grandchildren, Victoria, Gino, Magelli, Rosanne, Reason, Rochelle, Rome, Melanie and Melissa.

Corazon was always able to find the best in other people. This was particularly true with her friends. Later in life, she became friends with Leonida Guttierez and Nenet De Guzman.

Corazon was a woman who took great pride in upholding her beliefs. She took an active role in her community because of her convictions. She was able to serve her community well, thanks to her open mind and faithful commitment. Throughout her life, Corazon was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. Since she had a tendency to bring peace to her relationships, she was seen as a valued member of any organization.

Because she loved the world around her, Corazon enjoyed traveling and going away on vacations. It was an opportunity for her to relax, to visit new places and experience new things. She tried to personalize just about all of the planning that she put into the family's trips.

Corazon was a lover of animals, and she displayed that love by sharing her home with her dog, Fifi. They were best friends for 15 years. Her family was rounded out by her other dog, Sasha.

Corazon Roxas left us on June 23, 2011. She passed away at Regional Medical Center in San Jose, California. She was 92 years old. The cause of death was Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). She is survived by her children Rommy, Temie-Boy, and LuLu; and her grandchildren Victoria, Gino, Magelli, Rosanne, Reason, Rochelle, Rome, Melanie, and Melissa. Services were handled by Oak Hill Funeral Home in the Chapel of Roses in San Jose, California. Corazon was laid to rest at Oak Hill Memorial Park in San Jose, California.

This is where the song of life has taken Corazon Ballesteros Roxas. She was a kind and good woman who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being warm and deeply caring. She conducted her life with a unique rhythm and harmony all her own. She leaves behind her a treasury of lifelong friendships and wonderful memories. Corazon always had much to give and was able to make those connections in her life where her gifts were appreciated. Corazon was a faithful, practical and loving person. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Corazon Ballesteros Roxas with a kind thought and a warm heart.