Helen Tumaneng Rosete

Helen Tumaneng Rosete entered the world on July 28, 1939 to parents, Maxima and Eusebio Tumaneng. Born in the beautiful northern coastal city of Laoag, Philippines, Helen was a surprise addition to a family of already seven children. After years of working in Hawaii, her father, Eusebio came back to the ancestral home in Laoag, Philippines and soon after, Helen came along to become the pride and joy of her parents. A privileged child who received almost anything she desired, Helen was showered by love and adoration by her parents and siblings (Juliana, Fortunato, Lucy, Ceferino, Florencio, Esfelina, and Fabian). She is mourned by her surviving siblings (sister Lucy & husband Elmer Ford, residing in Nashville Tennessee; brother Florencio & wife Flora; brother Fabian; and sister Esfelina from Laoag, Philippines).

Helen grew up with a sense of purpose, and showed promise and talent in her early years. Her parents recognized a musical talent in her and sent her to take piano lessons and encouraged her involvement in singing in church. She shined in school with her literary talents and intellectual brilliance as well. She graduated from Ilocos Norte High School, and soon after moved to Manila, Philippines to study at Mary Childs Hospital School of Nursing. With a strong desire to help children, she graduated with a degree in Nursing Midwifery.

Ever the overachiever, she went on to go to Jose Rizal College in Manila for a second college degree, where she was the Literary Editor of the school newspaper. Her insightful and poignant poems, short stories and intriguing editorials garnered praise and accolades. Her passion and talent in writing could not be suppressed, and she was often entered in writing competitions where she won cash prizes. She graduated from Jose Rizal College with a Bachelor’s of Science in Commerce & Economics.

The rest of her adventurous life began when she met the love of her life, Nathaniel (Nate) Rosete, then, a young optometry student at Manila Central University, after church at a mutual friend’s house for lunch. After Nate received his Doctorate in Optometry, their beautiful courtship culminated in their wedding on May 17, 1967 back at Helen’s ancestral home in Laoag Philippines.

Dr. Nate and Helen Rosete have five children -- Janie Lyn, an RN and Clinical Documentation Specialist at Loma Linda University Medical Center in Loma Linda, CA; Nathan Jr., a PA at a private practice clinic in Fontana, CA; Geraldine, a Respiratory Therapist at Totally Kids in Loma Linda, CA; Alvin (an RN, Charge Nurse at Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda CA; and Charity Joy (Administrative Assistant at San Diego Blood Bank). Helen and Nate are also the proud grandparents of seven: Jordan, Jared and Justin Gafford (Janie Lyn & Stephen), Vanessa and Jacob Rosete (Nathan Jr. & Raquel), Aliyah and Alexandra (Alvin & Angel).

Besides her literary skills, Helen was also known among her family and friends as an expert when it came to handling financial matters. With her background in economics, she managed the family optometry clinics in the Philippines, and continued to handle finances for the family here in America.

Perhaps, the most appreciated talent by her children and grandchildren was her culinary genius. Helen took pride and care when preparing her special meals for those who came through her door and visited her. Helen was known with her friends and family for showering you with love by cooking for you. It wasn’t uncommon to overhear her say, “Come in….come eat. I will cook something good for you.” Her cooking creations will be missed by her family, but most of all by her grandchildren, who call her “the best cook in the world.”

When she wasn’t taking care of her very close knit family, Helen travelled the world with her beloved husband and best friend Nate. In their many travels together, they’ve visited Paris, London, Rome, Cairo, Prague, Russia, Vienna, Australia, Beijing, Greece, Israel, Jamaica, Bahamas, to name a few.

As the matriarch and proverbial glue for the Rosete Family, Helen provided love and support to her loved ones. Among her friends, she is known as a virtuous individual with a caring and loving heart. Her giving nature spilled over into her love of ministry in the church. An active and devoted member of the Central Filipino SDA church, she was the Head Deaconess for 2 years, and was the Sabbath School Secretary. She was also the Head Deaconess for 1 year at the Loma Linda SDA Filipino Church. She sang for the Central Filipino Church Choir, and Loma Linda Filipino Church Ladies Ensemble.

Helen went on missionary trips with her Husband Nate overseas where they offered their experience and skills helping the underprivileged with their medical needs. They donated time and money to charitable causes, prison ministries, and other church sponsored ministries. Besides devoted church members, Helen with her husband Nate were earnest in studying the bible, as they hosted a weekly Bible Study group meeting in their home with Pastor Alvin Maragh.

Helen’s year-long battle with cancer ended peacefully at the family home in Grand Terrace, California on September28, 2011 where she was surrounded by her 5 children and their spouses, all the grandchildren, her loving husband Nate, and the family Pastor and her husband’s first cousin, Pastor Simeon Rosete.

In her last days, she was the quintessential comforter and told her children, “Don’t be sad, annako. I have made peace with God. I’m going to heaven and I’m ready. I will see you there.”

A visitation will be held on Friday, October 7 from 4-8 PM at Montecito Mortuary in the Valley View Chapel. Two services will be held, one at The Central Filipino Church in Los Angeles on Saturday, October 8 at 3:00 P.M. and the other on Sunday, October 9 at 10:00 AM at the Loma Linda Filipino SDA church with burial to follow at Montecito Memorial Park. Arrangements under the direction of Montecito Memorial Park & Mortuary, Colton, California.