Olimpia M. Cerezo

Olimpia Montemayor Cerezo was a wife, mother, teacher, aunt, counselor and friend who made a significant impact on our lives. It was 1930 month of December and 17th day when she was born with her twin sister Bibiana in Malasiqui, Pangasinan, Philippines from mom, Felicidad and Dad Donato Montemayor. She was the 2nd eldest out of 16 children and the only surviving twins in her family. She remained there until she was about 32 years of age. Olimpia was raised in an upper middle class family and her parents owned a Meat and Poultry Business. Olimpia and her twin sister went to Malasiqui Elementary School and she attended her first 3 high school years at Agno Valley College. Her Senior Year, Olimpia attended Pangasinan Provencial High School in Lingayen, Pangasinan and graduated in 1948 while helping her parents with their business. After graduation, she passed the Teacher’s Competitive Test and studied teaching at Pangasinan Normal School and graduated in 1950 and received her Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Teaching. Her first teaching position was in Bolawit, Malasiqui, Pangasinan and her first 3 days she was a substitute teacher with no pay. Then she transferred to teach Grade IV in Central School. Olimpia also taught at Don Pedro, San Julian, Lokeb Sur Schools but mostly taught at Malasiqui Elementary School. 500 people recommended her by signing and submitting her name to be a permanent teacher. While teaching she helped pay for some of her siblings’ education. Almost every Sunday she would pay to have a dress made. Olimpia loved teaching and was a popular teacher and was awarded the Best Teacher Award. One difficult era and experience for Olimpia was when she was a teenager, she and her family had to hide during the Japanese War. They hid in a secret underground room for many days. She remembered if you did not bow to the soldiers, they would slap your face. This was a sad memory and hard time in her life.

Olimpia met Romeo Aboy Cerezo and later married him on April 14, 1956 at St. Ildefonso Church in Malasiqui, Pangasinan. Romeo joined the US Navy and was stationed in San Diego, California. They had their first 3 children, Audita, Rosanna and Romeo in Malasiqui, Pangasinan. Then they moved to the United States in 1962. This event marked a new event in their lives for Olimpia and Romeo. In 1963, they bought a home in San Diego, California. A couple of years later in 1965, they had twin girls, Estrellita and Esther. While raising her children in the U.S., Olimpia worked for Ratner Clothing Company, the US Commissary and US Navy Exchange. In the early 1970’s, Romeo was stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii. Olimpia and their children joined him and lived in Hawaii for 4 years. In the late 1970’s Romeo was transferred back to San Diego with his family. This is where Olimpia and Romeo lived the remainder of their lives.

Olimpia traveled often to the Philippines to visit family and friends. She enjoyed going to Disneyland with her grandchildren during the Holidays. Olimpia also traveled to San Francisco, Sacramento, Seattle, WA, Marietta, GA and Jacksonville, Florida.

Olimpia had many hobbies such as reading, writing, bowling, horse racing, the casino, spending time with her grandkids, teaching folk dancing and softball, cooking, watching the Padres and especially sewing. As a matter of fact she had sewn many wedding dresses and evening gowns and perhaps had sewn one for you.

In the 1970s she helped co-found the Malasiquians of San Diego County with Romeo and their compadres and comadres. MSDC has many members to this day. Olimpia was the 12th President and a great leader and advisor. She and Romeo were awarded the Parents of the Year. Through her life, she continued to be an active member and participated in MSDC events and their development.

Olimpia’s life expanded from the 20th to the 21st centuries. She grew up during an era where there was no television, radio, or electricity. Before she passed away, she knew how to use some office machines. She passed during a time when computers, cell phones and IPads were in existence.

Olimpia was a very genuine, generous, caring, wise and a loving person. She was outspoken and enjoyed being a leader and teacher. Olimpia had beautiful brown eyes, brown hair and was petite; however, she was raised to be a strong individual.

Olimpia died surrounded by her family at her residence where she resided for more than 50 years in San Diego, California.

Olimpia is survived by her 5 children, 12 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers and 2 sisters. Olimpia Montemayor Cerezo will be greatly missed.