Jesusa Estrada Cerezo

Jesusa Estrada Cerezo, a long-time resident of Milpitas, California, died peacefully in her sleep on November 9, 2016. Jesusa was born in Malasiqui, Pangasinan, Republic of the Philippines on January 16, 1926. The eldest daughter of Elisea and Santiago Estrada, she was 90 years old.

After attending Agno Valley College, while hailing from a family dedicated to the service of others, Jesusa began her career as an elementary teacher. She married Emilio Cerezo on September 2, 1950, and journeyed to the United States, establishing her first home in Corpus Christi, Texas.

In 1986, Jesusa completed a successful 20 year career at Spectra Physics in Mountain View as a Quality Assurance Inspector of its industrial lasers. She was highly praised and recognized for her outstanding work. As an immigrant and American Citizen, Jesusa embraced and lived the American Dream to its fullest while remembering the richness of her cultural roots. Helping to improve and build the lives of others both here and in the Philippines, many were touched by her quiet sacrifices and her generous and compassionate heart.

Jesusa's love for gardening was rewarded by an ample sharing of cherry tomatoes, eggplants, chayote, green beans, cucumbers, zucchini, bell peppers, persimmons, oranges, apples, apricots, plums and lemons enjoyed by all. A self-taught aficionado of gardening, friends and family were often recipients of her orchid, jade, asparagus fern, flowers and cactus potted transplants and seedlings.

Lovingly known as Adoracion (Adoring), Jesusa is survived by her beloved six children, Gary (Grace); Carolyn (John); Bernice (Bruce); Gregory, Eunice, Amelia; her sisters, Maria, Evilia, Leonila, Erlinda, Felisa, Milagrosa; eleven grandchildren; great-granddaughter and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Emilio and son Domingo.

Arrangements under the direction of Lima Family Milpitas-Fremont Mortuary, Fremont, CA.