Marylin Dejillo Fernando

It is with deep sorrow and heartfelt love that we announce the passing of Marylin Dejillo Fernando, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Marylin passed away peacefully on September 29, 2024, at the age of 70, after bravely battling Stage 4 Esophageal Cancer with incredible strength and courage.

Born on July 7, 1954, in San Juan, Rizal, Philippines, Marylin grew up in a close-knit family. She was the daughter of Maternidad “Mater” Tejada and Themistocles “Tim” Dejillo, and her early life in the Philippines was filled with fond memories of family, tradition, and resilience. As a young woman, she immigrated to the United States, where she faced the challenge of building a new life with determination and grace. She graduated with honors from Alisal High School and later earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Science with an emphasis in Public Health from San Jose State University.

On January 23, 1977, Marylin married the love of her life, Jose Fernando, at Saint Joseph Church, Mountain View, California. Together they raised three children, and their love for one another was evident in all they did. Her proudest achievement was raising her family, and the greatest joy of her life was being a mother and grandmother. She raised her children with love, teaching them the values of education, hard work, and compassion, and she cherished the time she spent with her grandchildren, who brought her endless joy.

Marylin embraced her Filipino heritage by performing traditional folk dances in high school and college, proudly sharing these cultural expressions with her community. She also had a gift for cooking Filipino dishes, which became a cherished part of family gatherings, where her love was felt in every meal she prepared.

As Marylin grew older, her love for dance evolved into a passion for ballroom dancing, especially the cha-cha and rumba, which she often enjoyed dancing with her husband, Jose.

A devoted caregiver, Marylin dedicated her life to her family and community. Early in her career, she worked as a social health worker, helping low-income families access childcare and managing a senior citizen nutrition program. Later, as a senior account manager for LSG Sky Chefs, her work took her across the country and abroad, but no matter where her travels took her, her heart was always with her family.

She is survived by her loving husband, Jose Fernando, and their three children: Kristoffer Ian Fernando and his wife Sarah Lori Fernando, Justin Dejillo Fernando and his wife Susan Lansangan Fernando, and Kharissa Leah Fernando Smith and her husband Kevin Smith. She was a proud grandmother to Danica, Declan, Olivia, Cassidy, Maxwell, and Homer, all of whom will carry on her memory and legacy of love.

Marylin is also survived by her siblings: her brother Sam Dejillo and his wife Gina Dejillo, her sister Emma Lee and her partner Mark Bello, and her brother Nicanor Dejillo and his wife Lorna Dejillo, all of whom shared a deep bond with her throughout her life.

The funeral service and burial will be held at Oak Hill Funeral Home and Memorial Park in San Jose, California, on October 25, 2024, where family and friends will gather to celebrate her life.