Teofila Sabidor Escobido

Teofila Sabidor Escobido, born November 3, 1929, in Kauai, Hawaii, passed away on April 19, 2026, at the age of 96. A beloved and cherished matriarch—known to many simply as Lola—she will be remembered with deep respect and enduring gratitude for a life marked by strength, resilience, and unwavering love.

Lola was born in Hawaii and later moved to the Philippines, before returning to the United States and settling in Delano, California. Through each season of change, she carried herself with courageous resolve and a strong-willed steadiness—meeting life as it came, and building a home and family grounded in faith, perseverance, and care for one another. She later resided in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Lola was married to Victor Escobido and was the proud mother of 11 children, two of whom passed away at a young age. Her children are Rogelio, Lory, Lucena, Jesusa, Leah, Criselda, Valentino, Mercy, and Lynn. Her legacy continues through 23 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren—each one a living testament to the unconditional love she gave so freely.

She found joy in dancing and being with her family. Her smile was contagious, especially when music was playing. No matter what it was, she would always join in and show that she could do it too—sometimes even better. With a gentle humor and a gift for bringing light to others, she loved to laugh, to share warmth, and to savor quiet moments caring for her garden and plants.

In her working life, Lola spent a brief time in the fields, and devoted herself to her family as a housewife. She also served others as a midwife and a massage healer, offering comfort with compassionate hands and a nurturing spirit. In every role, she carried herself with humble purpose—steady, giving, and guided by grace.

Lola will be remembered for her nurturing spirit, her strength, and the love she offered without limits. As a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and healer, she cared for others with compassion and dignity, always putting others before herself. She taught her family to be strong, to stay grounded, and to find happiness wherever life takes them—echoing her favorite words: “No money, only honey.” and “Dili lang kp malipayon sa balay, malipayon ko bisan asa ko.” (“I’m not only happy at home, I’m happy wherever I am.”)

To our Matriarch, Lola: you built a family rooted in love, strength, and resilience. Because of you, we know what it means to show up for one another, to laugh through hard times, and to love without limits. We promise to carry that forward. Your love is our foundation, your memory our guide, and your legacy our forever. We love you, endlessly.

Visitation will be held at Funeraria Del Angel Delano, 707 Browning Rd, Delano, CA 93215-9747, on June 19, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm. A Rosary will be held at Funeraria Del Angel Delano on June 19, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 1015 Clinton St, Delano, CA 93215, on June 20, 2026, from 8:00 am to 9:00 am. A Committal Service will follow at North Kern Cemetery District, 627 Austin St, Delano, CA 93215, on June 20, 2026, from 9:00 am to 9:30 am.

Pallbearers will be Noly Escobido, Jennie Guting, William Martino, Christopher Miller, Brandon O'Sullivan, Edward Escobido, Almer Capalac, and Dominique Malapit.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude: SHAY — Spreading Help Around You. Thank you to family and friends for coming together during this time, and for your continued support, love, prayers, and presence.