Pacita Todtod Bobadilla

May 14, 1920 – November 13, 2012

San Jose, California

Pacita, “Pacing”, passed away gracefully on Nov. 13 after 92 years of a full and invigorating life. Born in Cebu, Philippines, she immigrated to the USA with her family. She was crowned Miss Philippines at the 1939 Golden Gate Exposition. At the onset of WWII she spearheaded the successful national effort to allow Filipino Americans to serve in the US Armed Forces. At that time, Filipinos living in America were unable to enlist. During the war, she sang and entertained in the USO and is remembered for her singing role in the 1945 movie “They Were Expendable” starring John Wayne. She married Robert Bobadilla and was socially active in the Santa Clara Valley through the 70’s with the San Jose Symphony and Valle Monte League. She retired in the 90’s and most recently resided at Angel’s Manor Care Home in San Jose. In 2002 she was recognized again for her WWII contributions in Noel Izon’s PBS documentary “An Untold Triumph”.

Pacita was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, and her parents, Ciraco Todtod and Valeriana Caballes. She is survived by her son Michael (Lauren), daughters Susan (Mark) Reaves and Veronica (David) Boe, sister Marinette (David) Moody, and four grandchildren.

A celebration of life service will be held on Monday, Nov. 26, 2 pm at All Saints Episcopal Church, 555 Waverley St, Palo Alto CA 94301. Street parking plus additional parking is available at the Cowper St. garage