Juanita Tacmo Pagatpatan

Juanita “Seping” Pagatpatan, (Mama or Grandma to most of us but also Auntie Seping, or Manang to so many others) passed away on February 1, 2020 at the age of 87. She was born on July 30, 1932 and grew up in Moncada, Tarlac in the Philippines. She was the oldest of 4 siblings including two younger brothers Raymond and Jose followed by her younger sister Erlinda.

She fell in love with and married Benigno Pagatpatan at San Sebastian Catholic Church, Tarlac on June 17, 1962 in the Philippines. They created a loving family of five children. Benigno’s work as a civil engineer required them to move to Bangkok, Thailand in 1962. Due to Benigno’s travels, she was often raising their five children alone. Education was very important to Juanita and while in Thailand, the children attended International school. After twenty years in Thailand, the family relocated to Maui, Hawaii.

In 1982, Benigno died in a tragic automobile accident while working overseas. Throughout her life, Juanita remained a devoted and faithful wife to her dear husband. She kept his memory alive and continued to share her life with him through prayer and devotions. Shortly after her dear husband’s passing, Juanita moved to San Jose, CA and started a new life near cousins and family.

Her focus on education continued and her five children all graduated from college and established successful careers. Eventually her children started their own families and Juanita provided loving care for all her grandchildren.

While her hobbies included spending time with family and cooking, her life centered around her faith. She attended services regularly at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church with her children. Her daily life included personal prayer and worship through which she was able to instill a sense of peace in her own life which she was then able to pass on to others.

Juanita is survived by her five beloved children Warenne Casano, Grace Antonio, Veronica Kortright, Ben Pagatpatan, and Arnold Pagatpatan; her seven dear grandchildren Nicole Casano, Noa Pagatpatan, Summer Pagatpatan, Michael Antonio, Daniel Pagatpatan, Grant Pagatpatan, and Matthew Antonio; two precious great-grandchildren Tucker and Aubrey Mena; and caring in-laws Joe Casano, Robert Antonio, Chris Kortright, Vanida Pagatpatan, and Elizabeth Strickland.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent in her honor to St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 5111 San Felipe Road, San Jose, CA 95135, USA - https://www.sfoasj.com