Juanita Rivero Carandang

Juanita Carandang (fondly called Nita, Nits, Auntie Nita, Lola, Grandma, Decheng Nita, and, most specially, Mom) was born on February 8, 1933 in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur and was called to join our Lord on May 16, 2025. She was preceded by her parents, Emiliano and Gregoria Rivero, and sisters and brothers: Generosa Rivero (Rosing), Leonarda Fausto (Narding, Cristeto (spouse - dec)), Eudocia Kuchta (Eudie, Michael (spouse - dec)), Restituto Rivero (Resting, Nimfa (spouse)), Antonia Abano (Toning, Mamerto (spouse - dec)), and Jose Rivero (Pepito or Joe, Gloria (spouse)). She is survived by her husband, Aureano Carandang; her brother, Braulio Rivero (Raul or Broling, Conchita (spouse - dec)) and her sister, Cristina Casiño (Cristy or Sening, Rodrigo (spouse - dec); her in-laws: Gloria Suyao, Nora Carandang, and Consuelo Carandang; her children: Gerardo (Gerry, Elsa (spouse)), Cyril (Cy, Raquel (spouse)), Francis (Mond, Sherry Ann Caimol (spouse)), Jonathan (Andrea (spouse)), Eric (Linny (spouse)), and Aura Luz (Phill Wendt (spouse)); her grandchildren: Anthony Glen (Samantha (spouse)), Joshua Rey (Angelica Rivera (spouse)), Kristine Malixi (Maynard (spouse)), Angela, Aiden Francis, Daniel Luc, Philip, Lukas, Brian (Mark Pagdanganan (partner)), Andrea Garcia (Joshua (spouse)), and Sophia Wendt; her great-grandchildren: Aulani Rai, Mateo Malixi, and Trinity Malixi; and many nephews and nieces.

For Mom, her family was her most prized possession. She was the most selfless person we knew, always placing the needs of her family before herself and giving us all her unconditional love. Full of energy and dedication, she looked after her grandchildren who brought her so much joy and who, in turn, loved and respected her so much. She was full of life, an ultimate gallivanter, who travelled to distant corners of the world whenever and wherever her strength could take her. During her children’s younger years growing up in the Philippines, they travelled frequently to Mindoro, Baguio, and Ilocos Sur (her birthplace) during vacations. Later, as her children’s lives spread apart, she continued to explore the world, having visited Guam, Japan, Canada, England, Germany, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Monaco and Italy. She enjoyed the horse-drawn carriage ride up the mountain to Neuschwanstein Castle, was fascinated by the life-sized Nutcracker in Rothenburg, and entered the house of Mozart in Salzburg. She listened to the band playing German songs and enjoyed the huge pretzels in Hofbrauhaus in Munich, walked around the ever-mysterious Stonehenge, and prayed and washed herself in the Buddhist temples in Japan. As a devout Catholic, she regularly visited the churches in Manila and went on pilgrimage to the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in France, St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, and many Missions in Arizona, California, and Texas. She dedicated a huge amount of her waking hours to praying, always lifting all our intentions and intercession to Our Lord Jesus Christ and Mother Mary. She liked dim sum and was a food critic in her own right.

We will miss her more than words can express but find comfort knowing she is at peace and watching over us. Her love and light will live on in all of us. Rest in peace, Mom. We love you.