Natividad R. Dela Paz

b: 09/28/22 d: 12/08/13

Our mother is the most beautiful woman in the world - not only to our father but to her 7 children, 23 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grand daughter.

She was named Natividad (which is the spanish translation of Nativity). Nativity - the time when our Lord Jesus was born. The time when God gave his only Son to us as His gift to humankind. Nativity connotes Christmas - the time when it is better to give than to receive.

True to what her name connotes, she lived her life in the spirit of giving. She gave her whole life - all 91 years, to her family; but not only to her family, she gave also to her country and community.

During the WWII years, after she married Augusto, Sr. (They got married almost 70 years ago on December 26, 1943), she joined her husband who by then had enlisted with the elite Hunters Guerilla Unit, Subic Sector, under the USAFFE and volunteered her services to cook, to care for and nurture the wounded and afflicted - men and women afflicted with malaria, wounded American soldiers and Filipino guerillas. She served her country and risked her life without even asking for recognition - for her name was never even included in the official roster of recognized WWII veterans who fought for the cause of freedom and democracy. All this for love of her countrymen and her country.

She would also serve her community. Between 1960 to 1981 her life would be changed. Without her asking she would find herself as the Second Lady of Subic. Augusto, Sr. would first be appointed Councilor of Subic when in 1961, Olongapo became a city and separated from Subic. Augusto, Sr. would be elected to three four-year terms as Vice Mayor of Subic. Augusto's term of office would be extended to 1981 when suddenly martial law was imposed in 1972. Natividad would turn her interest to doing numerous charitable works for the townspeople of Subic.

In her next phase of life - life in America, she would serve her community by taking care of the elderly - but many times, people younger than her. She would also volunteer at the catholic parish in Hayward, CA and would use her culinary skills to cook for the local parish. With boundless energy despite her small physical stature, her numerous charitable activities would only stop upon advice of her physician after short hospital stay at St. Rose Hospital in Hayward, CA in March 2011.

She loved her God the most. Despite her busy schedule as a mother, housewife, and business woman, she would find time to pray to our Lord Jesus, The Black Nazarene in Quiapo Church in Manila, Philippines. She was a devotee of our Blessed Mother, she would go and pray to our Lady of Perpetual Help in Baclaran Church, Rizal, Philippines. She would also pray to our Lady of Antipolo in Antipolo, Rizal, Philippines.

Mother's life was a sterling example of lessons and hard work, self-sacrifice, unselfish love, patience, perseverance, determination, loyalty, and devotion - this latter to her Maker, family and friends.

Mother lived all her 91 years to the fullest. Her zest for life knew no boundaries. She loved our Lord Jesus Christ firstly and prayed fervently to our Blessed Mother. She loved next her family. She served her two countries well - by serving unselfishly her fellowmen. Job well done, Mother. You will remain in our memories and hearts forever. May you rest in peace.

Eulogy written by Lennie R. dela Paz, MD and delivered by Emmanuel G. dela Paz at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Bonita, CA 91902 on December 20, 2013.