Soledad Dimas Reduta

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Soledad Dimas Reduta. She was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to her because she was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around her had whatever they needed. Soledad was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what she meant.

Soledad was born in Camarines Norte, Philippines. She was the daughter of Elias Dimas and Antonia Sadia. Soledad was raised in Camarines Norte, Philippines. During her childhood she learned to be reliable and respectful. Soledad was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. She found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Soledad's personality throughout her life.

Though Soledad was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with her family, she was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Soledad was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Soledad worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Soledad and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of her experiences, Soledad was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although she had an exacting nature, Soledad was always tactful. One thing Soledad will certainly be remembered for is that, when she got up in the mornings, she was ready and raring to go. As a young girl, Soledad had a number of interests and was an active child. Soledad took part in Sungka and Pikoo. She also participated in beauty contests. In her spare time she liked reading comics and magazines. Soledad's memorable achievements included being named Miss Vinzon's Beauty Queen.

For Soledad, the school routines were never a problem although she generally preferred variety to structure. She seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And she was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Soledad was also adept at details. Soledad was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. She graduated from Vinzon High School in 1940. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was cooking class. One of her greatest achievements during high school was being named Class Muse.

There was one thing that all of Soledad's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that she was a talker. She could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Soledad was such a popular person throughout her life. But Soledad was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Soledad was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While she maintained personal standards and her own personal values, Soledad was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Soledad was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Soledad was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Soledad made friends, she made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, some of her best friends were Lola Gracia, Nana Wen, and Nana Lettie.

Soledad was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call her sentimental and a romantic at heart. Her kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around her. Soledad cared for what others thought and carried that into her marriage. On July 28, 1941 Soledad married Gaudencio Reduta at Vinzon Camarines Norte Church in Vinzon, Camarines Norte, Philippines. Compassionate and devoted, Soledad worked hard to make her new life partner happy.

Harmony was important to Soledad and she made every effort to maintain it with her family. Soledad was blessed with eight children named, Rosie, Edgar, Jimmy, Ben, Nella (deceased), Arnold, Yolly and Junior. She was also blessed with twenty-one grandchildren, Eric, Ronnie, Kevin, BJ, Jayson, John-John, Arnel, Joanne, Charlene, Angela, Joshua, Kerwin, GJ, Gamiele, Daisy, Dexter, Dennis, Doris, Dulce, Darvie and Donna. Soledad was always conscious of the feelings others had. She was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Soledad was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. Her secret of success in this area was simple: Soledad would listen before she would act.

Taking her work seriously came naturally to Soledad, and she expected the same from those around her. Soledad was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. She was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in her good communication skills. Soledad was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Soledad handled well. She could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” Her primary occupation was as a housewife. She also bought and sold rice. She brought harmony to her work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for her colleagues.

Soledad was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth her best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. Soledad was always enthusiastic and a great team player. In high school, Soledad enjoyed dancing. Soledad also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite teams whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were fishing and line dancing.

Her keen interest in things that affected the lives of other people led Soledad to become actively involved in professional and community organizations. Because she was outgoing and worked well with others, Soledad did her fair share of volunteer work. And she wouldn’t shy away from taking the lead on committees or events, either. She was a born list maker and was great at creating and sticking to schedules. Throughout her later years, Soledad enjoyed playing bingo.

Soledad was the kind of person who would readily move into action in order to help others. She was appreciated and respected. She could find value in the opinions of others and was passionate about her own values and beliefs. Politically, Soledad was a big supporter of the Republican Party.

Her high moral standards and traditional values served Soledad well with her faith. Religion and faith were important to her. She was a Catholic since childhood and was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. During that time, she attended regular (Novena) prayers. She was well respected because she was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner she could.

Not only did Soledad enjoy traveling, but she also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. She was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. She rarely tired of going back and revisiting her favorite places. Favorite vacations included travelling to the Philippines.

Soledad was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. Two of her favorites was a pet dog and a pet monkey named, Cachopoy. They were the best of friends for 10 years.

Since it was easy for Soledad to meet and get to know new people, she quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once she met those new friends, she loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since she was practical and cost effective, Soledad was ready when that day to retire finally came in 1972. Her new life involved relocating to California, USA. In retirement, she found new pleasure in playing bingo. Even in retirement, Soledad stayed in touch with her old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. She was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered her.

Soledad passed away on February 16, 2012 at the Kaiser Homestead Campus in Santa Clara, California. She is survived by all her children and grandchildren. Services were held at St. John Vianney Church in San Jose, California. Soledad was laid to rest in Oak Hill Memorial park in San Jose, California.

Soledad was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever she said something, she meant it. Soledad was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. She was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. She was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember her for most is the fact that she was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life she touched will miss Soledad Dimas Reduta.