Rosario A. Santos

Growing up, she came to be known as “Charito” or “Chato”, for short. It was only when she was about to emigrate to the United States in 1982 that we learned her true registered name under the Philippine Bureau of Census was Rosario Ablir Aquino. Rose, as her friends called her, was born on October 19, 1950. She was the eldest of seven children by the late Ignacio and Erlinda Aquino of Pagsanjan, Laguna, Philippines.

After losing her father (and the family’s sole breadwinner) at the age of 13, Rose always felt a sense of duty as the eldest child. She attended the Philippine Women’s University and continued her education at the Philippine College of Commerce (PCC). While at PCC, she also worked as a civil servant at the Philippine Bureau of Plants Industry to support her mom and six younger siblings. She then went on to the Fabella School of Midwifery to pursue what became her most beloved career. As a midwife, she landed a position serving as the Assistant to the Director of the Family Planning Center in the province of Laguna until 1982.

Soon after immigrating to the United States, she obtained a job as a clerk with the County of San Diego. However, her employment there was short lived. Rose only meant to accompany her youngest brother, Mario, while he took the Navy examination and ended up taking the test herself. She then enlisted in the United States Navy under the Delayed Entry Program. Shortly before heading to boot camp, she married Clemente “Jun” Santos in December 1983. She served with pride reaching the rank of Chief Petty Officer and retired in 2004. Her naval career took her and her family to San Diego, CA, Adak, AK, Agana, Guam, Bremerton, WA, Yokosuka, JA and finally Lemoore, CA. She also spent her sea duty aboard the USS BLUE RIDGE and the USS KITTYHAWK both home ported in Yokosuka. Three members of the Aquino siblings: Carlos, Rose and Mario all retired with almost 70 years of combined service between them. After retiring from the Navy, she became a California State employee at the Corcoran State Prison. Her supervisor assigned her many of the prison’s hardcore cases earning her the nickname “Super Santos.”

Rose had a beautiful voice which was among her many hidden talents. In addition to singing, she enjoyed cooking, shopping, watching TV and dining out with her family. She was thoughtful, fiercely loyal and always the epitome of strength. Many considered her a role model. The name given by her parents was synonymous to the Holy Rosary – which symbolizes Mary’s love for her child, Jesus. She was a proud mother and considered her children her greatest accomplishment.

She is survived by her beloved son and daughter, Ryne and Charlene (both graduates of Fresno State University), her husband Clemente, her siblings Amia, Carlos, Alvin, Melinda, Mario, and Menchie and all her nieces and nephews.

To Those I Love

When I am gone, release me, let me go.

I have so many things to see and do.

You mustn’t tie yourself to me with tears,

Be happy that we had so many years.

I gave to you my love, you can only guess,

How much you gave to me in happiness.

I thank you for the love you each have shown,

But now it’s time I traveled on alone.

So grieve awhile for me, if grieve you must,

Then let your grief be comforted by trust.

It’s only for a while that we must part,

So bless the memories within your heart.

I won’t be far, for life goes on some,

So if you need me, call and I will come.

Though you can’t see or touch me, I’ll be near,

Never too far to comfort your hurt or a tear.

And if you listen with your heart, you’ll hear,

All my love around you soft and clear.

And then, when you must come this way alone,

I’ll greet you with a smile, and say-

“Welcome Home!”

In Loving Memory

Rosario A. Santos

October 19, 1950 to September 24, 2013

Visitation

Little Lodge at Glen Abbey, Bonita, California

Friday, October 4, 2013 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Catholic Funeral Mass

Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church

293 "H" Street, Chula Vista, California

Saturday, October 5, 2013 at 9:15 am

Officiated By

Reverend Augustine Obasi

Interment

Glen Abbey Memorial Park, Bonita, California

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Military Honors

The United States Navy

--- Share a Memory ---

Please join us in remembering

Rosario A. Santos

by visiting our Memorial at

www.GlenAbbeysandiego.com.

Through this site, we invite you

to share your thoughts and fond

memories with our family.