Mrs Cecilia Trinidad

Cecilia Trinidad was born May 8, 1938 in Pasay City, Philippines and was blessed to grow up in a family with vibrant personalities. While at the Far Eastern University in Manila, she proudly served as battalion commander in the Philippine Women's Auxiliary Corps supporting the Philippine Armed Forces. She graduated in 1963 with a BS in Commerce and followed in her father’s footsteps by pursuing a career in accounting.

Fate intervened when Cecilia crossed paths with Alberto Trinidad in an office building elevator. The chance encounter ignited a beautiful connection that led to their marriage in 1968 and the addition of three daughters to their lives. A talented and dedicated certified public accountant, she rose to the rank of Chief Accountant at an investment holding company. Widowed at the tender age of 41, Cecilia courageously left behind an established career in pursuit of better prospects for her children in the United States. She never called what she did a sacrifice; she called it an investment in her daughters’ future.

Her life was marked by an unwavering faith in God. She drew comfort and guidance from this which became the cornerstone in navigating her life. Beyond her spiritual devotion, she touched the lives of those around her with warmth, sincerity and a sense of humor, leaving a lasting impact on friends, family and the community. She adored her church family and was an active parishioner of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Paradise Hills. Her commitment was reflected in her roles as lector, chairperson of the Finance Council, Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, and coordinator of the First Friday Adoration until the pandemic halted the devotion in 2020. She made a vow early in her marriage to host “Pabasa ng Pasyon” (Reading of the Passion of Christ) every Palm Sunday weekend—a tradition she continued in the US. Every year, until 2020, Cecilia gleefully welcomed and hosted readers to take turns in singing verses from the Passion book that lasted up to 12 hours.

Cecilia loved to travel, even joined her daughters on their work trips, and especially cherished her daughter bringing her to a Marian pilgrimage tour. She doted on her grandchildren, attended as many of their activities as possible and delighted them with ice cream and sweets. Cecilia always had a ready smile and she delivered zingy one-liners that highlighted the humor and absurdities of situations. She enjoyed tending to her flowers, particularly her cherished orchids, and nurturing her calamansi, persimmon, mango, and banana trees brought her immense joy.

Cecilia departed on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at the age of 85. She leaves behind her legacy, survived by her daughters Elizabeth (Bryan), Cecilia, Catherine (Martine); grandchildren Danielle (Zach), Rachel, Bryan, Sophia and Juliana.

A visitation for Cecilia will be held Tuesday, November 28, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 8:57 PM at Glen Abbey Memorial Park, 3838 Bonita Road, Bonita, CA 91902. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, November 29, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Michael's Catholic Church, 2643 Homedale Street, San Diego, CA 92139.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.glenabbeysandiego.net for the Trinidad family.