Amparo Casiano Cudal

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Amparo Casiano Cudal who was indeed a born manager. She will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. She was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with her throughout her life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Amparo was an individual who clearly communicated to those around her just who she was and what she was all about. Everyone acquainted with Amparo knew her as phenomenal teacher and a well-respected woman who was a stable force in her community.

Amparo was born on April 16, 1917 at Philippines General Hospital in Manila, Philippines. Her parents were Timoteo and Maria Cruz Casiano. Amparo was raised in Agno Pangasinan.

As a young girl, Amparo was able to put her natural abilities to work. She was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, she liked to organize and direct. Amparo was raised with seven siblings. She had two older brothers, Juanito and Antolin, two younger brothers, Arturo and Hernando, and two younger sisters, Adela and Puring. Amparo had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Amparo, this was a natural order of life, one she gladly embraced.

Amparo's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during her childhood. As a young girl, Amparo enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Throughout her later years, Amparo was an active leader of the Girl Scout Club, Catholic Women's League, and Sodality Of Mary.

In school, Amparo was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. She sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of her classes. She would eagerly complete her homework, and often put in extra study time when she felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Amparo was always good at following directions and meeting her schedules, whether they were set by her teachers or were self-imposed. She graduated from Dagupan Institute in 1937. She enjoyed some courses more than others; Her favorite class in high school was English.

Amparo’s practical work ethic carried over into her college years. Her logical mind permitted her to work hard without succumbing to the usual distractions of college life. She would tackle an assignment and work through it before moving onto the next project. Amparo’s orderly nature gave way to establishing personal study habits and procedures that not only helped her stay on track but often put her ahead of schedule. When Amparo saw the need or benefit, she would willingly take on the extra assignment or even attend extra classes in order to learn more and become a better student. She earned a degree in education from Philippine Normal School now known as Philippine Normal College.

An objective and conscientious individual, Amparo reveled in the security of her family. One of Amparo’s most endearing qualities was her uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries and her unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for her family and friends.

Amparo married Jaime Cudal during World War II and they were both blessed with four children, three sons, Jessie, Rudy and Rick, and one daughter, Beverly. Amparo was ever watchful of her children. She worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. She maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Amparo would give her stamp of approval to their requests, as long as she could see how they might benefit. She also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that her children were properly raised. Amparo and Jaime were also blessed with nine grandchildren, Juvy Mae, Maricris, Sue Ann, Sheila, Christy Marie, Michael, Alfred, Eric and Adrian. Amparo was also very fortunate to meet four of her great-grandchildren, Josean, Cairo, Addison, Stella, and Leila.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Amparo was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. As a Sixth Grade English Teacher, she was able to keep everything and everyone on track. She worked cooperatively and expected the same from both her students and colleagues. In both her personal and professional environments, Amparo upheld her standards.

Amparo approached her leisure time in the same manner that she approached her life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, she appreciated the hours she was able to devote to her various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were playing mahjong, gardening and praying. Amparo was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

Faith was important to Amparo. She held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay she saw around her. For that reason she held deep spiritual beliefs that she was willing to share and is the reason for her leadership in Catholic Women's League and Sodality Of Mary.

At the age of 62, she moved to the United States of America to help raise her grandchildren. In retirement, she found new pleasure in helping her grandchildren with their homework, playing mahjong with "The Ings" and gardening roses that are still blooming to this date. In many ways, Amparo loved retirement. It provided her with the opportunity to catch up with her friends and attend functions and group outings.

Amparo passed away on April 1, 2013 at her daughter’s home in San Jose, California due to kidney failure. She is survived by her children, Rudy, Rick, and Beverly; her grandchildren Juvy Mae, Maricris, Sue Ann, Sheila, Michael, Alfred, Eric, and Adrian; her sisters Adela and Puring. Services were held at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Amparo was laid to rest in Cedar Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary in Fremont, California.

All who knew her would agree that Amparo was a pillar of the Agno Pagasinan community. She lived her life with her feet firmly on the ground. She had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in her thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. She was willing to share her ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Amparo Casiano Cudal did her best to ensure that her family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life she touched were given the chance to become a better person.