Saturnina Julaton Cruz

Saturnina Julaton Cruz, lovingly known to all as “Sana,” passed away peacefully on December 11, 2025, at the age of 73, in her home in Rocklin, California, surrounded by love and family. Born in Calbayog City, Samar, Philippines, Sana’s warm smile, generous spirit, and vibrant presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A native of Oquendo, Sana spent her childhood in the province of Samar. She later spent most of her adult life in Pasig City, Philippines, where she and her beloved husband, Luis, raised their three children and built a home filled with warmth, laughter, and enduring memories.

A devoted wife, mother, and homemaker for over 40 years, Sana took great pride in caring for her family and cultivating a beautiful household. Her home in Maybunga was surrounded by a lush garden and a vibrant array of flora—bougainvillea, santan, and orchids, to name a few—reflecting her nurturing spirit and gifted green thumb.

Sana was known as a gracious and generous host from her earliest years. Her homes in Calbayog and Pasig were gathering places for family and friends, filled with good food, music, and heartfelt conversation. Her cooking was an expression of love—bringing joy to celebrations, comfort to the sick, and warmth to everyday moments.

Following the passing of her husband in 2021, Sana moved to the United States to spend her sunset years close to her children—living with her son in Rocklin, California, and spending cherished time with her daughter and grandchildren in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. In this chapter of her life, she continued to pursue the passions that brought her joy: gardening, cooking, needle and fabric arts, paper crafts, traveling, and listening to music - reminiscent of the countless times she danced freely with her husband at home.

In her final years, Sana was especially blessed with frequent opportunities to reconnect and spend quality time with her sisters Penny, Mila, and Lourdes, reminiscing about their childhood and passing the time laughing—and playfully arguing—over their favorite card game, Entre Quatro. She also found a cherished friendship with her daughter-in-law’s mother, Biyette. Inseparable during their time in California, the two would often retreat to a quiet room to watch beloved classic films and share warm stories of their families.

Affectionately called “Tita Sana,” she was a mother not only to her children but also to her closest nephews and nieces—Emer and Malu, Eric and Beth, Milo and Baby, Ivy and Emily—whom she loved as her own and who lovingly returned her care throughout her life.

A woman of deep faith, Sana found strength, lifelong friendships, and peace within the CCF community, which became her second family.

Demetia diminished her memory and cognition, but never her heart. With remarkable resilience, she faced cancer and with courage and grace, entrusting herself to the will of her Creator and being blessed with a peaceful passing.

She is survived by her son Jonathan and daughter-in-law Marybeth; her daughter Lissa and son-in-law Christian; her beloved granddaughters Samantha and Savannah; her sisters Lourdes, Milagros, and Josefina; her brother Adriano; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Luis; her son Rommel; her parents Antonio and Valeria Julaton; her sister Nieves; and her brothers Armando, Alfredo, and Adolfo.

Sana’s remains will be cremated on December 26, 2025, at Mt. Vernon Memorial Park in Fair Oaks, California. A Catholic Mass and Celebration of Life will be held at her home in Rocklin on December 27, 2025, and will be livestreamed for family and friends in the Philippines. Her final resting place will be alongside her husband Luis and son Rommel at St. Michael the Archangel Columbarium in Bonifacio Global City, Philippines, planned for early 2026.

Sana’s life was one of love, faith, resilience, and joy. Her legacy lives on in the family she nurtured, the homes she made welcoming, the gardens she tended, and the countless lives she touched.