Marilyn Rosario Balignot

Marilyn (Neneng) was born on January 26, 1955, to Anastacio (Asiong) and Apolonia (Polly) Rosario in Manila, Philippines. She was the first-born child with two younger siblings Helen Rosario and Sedfrey Rosario. She spent her entire childhood in her hometown in Bauang, La Union. After graduating from Sacred Heart High School, she went on to study Nursing in Manila at Saint Rita Hospital College of Nursing and School of Midwifery.

In college, she met the love of her life, her Darling Mario (Dodong) Balignot, and they wed in 1979, going on to have four children Buford (Poy-Poy), Jackie (Jing-Jing), Loribelle (Bel-Bel) and Sandra May (M). Neneng and Dodong raised their family in Malalag, Davao del Sur and Artiaga, Davao City, Philippines before moving across the waters in 1991 to San Diego, California.

Once Neneng had Poy, she decided to dedicate her life to being the best mother she could be. She excelled with unwavering and unconditional love, supporting her children through the many passions and difficulties of their lives. She shared their joys and sorrows. She was her husband and children’s biggest champion. Neneng’s greatest joy and source of pride in life was being with her family and watching her grandchildren grow. She loved spoiling her family and friends with her delicious home cooked meals. We can still hear her say, “Kaon na ta (Let’s eat).” If you ever say you are going on a diet, watch out, she will cook you all your favorite dishes and laugh with victory when you cannot resist.

Neneng was known as the “Dragon” to the entire family; she was tiny yet mighty. She was always making jokes, mostly at Dodong’s expense. She was known for her catchy one liner. People close to her knew exactly what she would say. And when she got you, she got you good, “da lagi.” She loved going to buffets and finding gems at thrift stores. Neneng was an amazing passionate cook and was known for her Pansit, Dinuguan, Kilawin, Kare-Kare, Curry Chicken, Macaroni Salad, Shanghai and Fresh Lumpia with homemade wrapper. Her Darling Dodong’s favorite entrees were Indigenous from Neneng’s hometown which were Igado, Dinengdeng, Pinakbet, Pinapaitan, Batson nga Tabungao. Some of her best “Lami Kaayo (so good)” dishes were made through her ingenuity. She whipped up the best meal by using whatever she had in the fridge combined with any leftover food. And when you asked for her recipes, you never got exact measurements as she cooked by sight, smell, taste, a dash of love, and MSG of course. And when she was not filling her home with full bellies and laughter, she could be found lying in her bedroom reading celebrity gossip magazines, a book or kindle on hand. She was also fond of reels aka her TikTok. She can be found giggling and shimmying her shoulders as she watched it on her cellphone. She loved Christmas time because it meant celebrating baby Jesus being born, and her family gathered around food she tirelessly cooked all day. She loved seeing her grandchildren’s eyes lit up as she handed them the biggest tallest bags with dozens of presents inside. She was thoughtful in choosing presents for a special occasion or just because. Her joy from her generosity was unparalleled; she was a giver. We are all still looking for her last stash of $20 bills.

However, Neneng did love receiving fresh flowers, especially tulips. She loved the color candy apple green. She loved her desserts: crepes, chocolate covered donuts, Sans rival, and Red Ribbon supreme mango cake. And boy did she love bananas. It was so easy to love her, and when you met her, you remembered her. She made an instant impression. She was kind, honest, caring, sweet, sassy, straight forward, no beating around the bush type. She was a figure of strength. She was a fighter who loved even harder. She stood her ground for her family and had no issue calling anyone out even though she is way under five feet tall. Her deadly weapon was her side eye and watch out for her heavy Mike Tyson hands. And expect when you are sick that she was the first one to cook you Arroz Caldo and rub Vicks and Efficascent Oil all over you. She was an amazing mother. Never wanted or needed praise. She was selfless. Her love for her family knew no bound. Being around her, you felt heard, comforted, and loved…she was our Home.

Before she became a full-time Grandma, for almost 30 years Marilyn worked as a caretaker for the elderly. Specifically, she worked with people who suffered from severe dementia. She helped many families as they navigate having loved ones who did not have a memory of who they were. Her mission was led by her caring nature enveloped with compassion and patience. Through her work she met people who became her closest friends; they formed a sisterhood at heart that spanned decades.

In September 2021, Neneng was diagnosed with cancer. She was given a prognosis of no more than five months to live. She ended up living almost three additional years at home with her family. She was a godly woman and proud that she taught her children to love and honor Him. She believed God was her one true healer. “She confidently trusts the Lord to take care of her” Psalm 112:7. She loved Him and no matter what came her way; her faith never wavered. She was never afraid. She praised Him that no matter what she was going through, she was not in any pain. Her favorite verse is Psalm 23, “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” As Neneng was called Home to begin her Heavenly life, her prayers were answered as she transitioned to heaven into the loving arms of our Lord the moment she was surrounded by her entire family.

On that day, the earth kept spinning, BUT our world stopped; we were left with what she always said, “Mom loves no end” and ended with “My infinite love.” Losing her changed our lives forever. Amidst us falling apart without her, we will hold unto the beautiful memories we shared. We knew losing her, our foundation, would be life changing, but the pain and the heartbreak is unimaginable. As she would want us to continue, we will embrace change, trusting the process and honoring life’s complex tapestry of experiences, every twist and turn knowing we have a guardian Angel on our side. As her heartbeat stopped that day, a piece of our heart now lives in heaven. There will be no place we are without her, wherever we roam. We will never get over the loss, but one day we will learn to live with it. She will never be far from our thoughts, as she will always be in our hearts. Her legacy will live on in all of us. We will miss her immensely for all the days of our lives. To our Darling Marilyn, Mama, and Grandma, “Pahulay na dayon (rest now)” until we meet again.

Marilyn was predeceased by father, Anastacio (Asiong) Rosario; mother, Apolonia (Polly) Rosario; sister, Helen Rosario. She is survived by her loving and doting husband, Mario Balignot; son, Buford Balignot (Jocelyn); daughter, Jackie Balignot (Tim); daughter, Loribelle Diaz (Mark); daughter Sandra May Perez (Jesse). She had eleven grandchildren: Ali Diaz, Jena Perez, Sophie Balignot, AJ Diaz, Ava Balignot, Theo Balignot, Ellie Balignot, Tati Thomas, Jehaira Perez, Jesandra Perez, Jenae Perez. And her brother, Sedfrey Rosario (Alice) and nephew, John Ryan Rosario.

The family requests that all flowers (please NO Lily, ONLY pink and white flowers) and notes are sent to Glen Abbey Memorial Park & Mortuary, 3838 Rd, Bonita, CA 91902 where her celebration of life will be held 4:00pm-10:00pm on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. The family request that you honor Marilyn by wearing white. NO black please. From the bottom of our hearts, Daghang Salamat - we thank you for the continued prayers, support and love you have showered our family during this season. God Bless.