Marlene (“Mayene”) Nagrampa Epres was called to the Lord on June 21, 2020; it was a warm, sunny Sunday afternoon. Her final days were spent at her home in Santa Clara, California, looking out to her beautiful backyard garden, surrounded by family, friends, and prayers. Mayene is survived by her husband, Narciso, and children, Christine (Phil), Marlo (Christine Joy), and Nicole. She is also survived by her siblings, Georgia, Florina, Elmer, Raymundo, Edgar, Danilo, and Bartolome, Jr., as well as other relatives, in-laws, nieces, nephews, and long-time friends.
Mayene was born on December 23, 1944 in Iriga City, a town in the Bicol region of the Philippines. She was the daughter of Cristita Taduran, a teacher, and Bartolome Nagrampa, Sr., also a teacher who later became a politician. Mayene was named Valedictorian of Sagrada Elementary School in 1958 and Salutatorian in 1962 at the then Saint Anthony’s College, now the University of St. Anthony. While studying in Manila, Mayene worked alongside her sister Florina (“Bolly”) as a manicurist and hair specialist at the Venus Beauty Parlor. She graduated with a BS in Accounting from the University of the East in Manila. Mayene then passed the Accountancy Board Exam and went on to become a Certified Public Accountant, serving as Regional Accountant for the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Naga City. She also taught Accounting courses at Mabini College, now the University of the Northeastern Philippines in Iriga.
In 1976, Mayene’s adventurous spirit led her to a new life of opportunities and dreams in the United States of America. Soon after she married Narciso (“Esong”) in 1978, the two planted roots and raised a family in the San Francisco Bay Area, calling Silicon Valley ‘home.’ Mayene worked as a supervisor in an electronics company before she decided to become a full-time mother and homemaker. She then went on to operate an in-home daycare and adored the many children she cared for over the years.
Mayene left a lasting impact on many lives through her work and involvement with the community. She was a devout Catholic and an active member of the Our Lady of Peace Church and Shrine and Mission Santa Clara de Asis fellowship. She believed in giving back to her hometown of Iriga and served two terms as President of the Iriga (Bicol) Association of America (IBAA) in Northern California. She returned to Iriga with fellow members of IBAA to support local projects including Medical Mission, an initiative to provide medical and other vital services to Iriguenos.
Mayene’s true passion in life was her family. She was a devoted and loving wife and mother. Mayene was “CEO” of the Epres household and constantly supported and encouraged her husband and children in their day-to-day activities, work, and education. Mayene cherished the time spent with Esong in their colorful garden, full of hydrangeas, orchids, and succulents, as well as their adventures cruising throughout Europe and the Mediterranean. She lived by the motto “a family that prays together stays together” and embraced every long road trip with her children Christine, Marlo, and Nicole as she always saw it as an opportunity to pray the Rosary together as a family. Mayene welcomed her son-in-law Phil and daughter-in-law Christine Joy as new members of the family with open arms. She was known as the “hostess with the mostess” and never turned down a chance to host and entertain large family gatherings at her home with her cooking and hospitality, particularly during the Christmas holidays. Mayene was like a second mom to so many of her nieces and nephews and was always quick to feed them her delicious empanadas. When these same nieces and nephews surprised her with musical performances during her 75th birthday celebration, with songs ranging from Abba’s Dancing Queen to Beatles hits, she loved each and every moment.
Mayene will be fondly remembered by her husband and children as the best wife and the best mom. She will also be remembered by family and friends as a strong warrior woman, as well as a kind and generous soul who was always willing to open her home and heart to her loved ones.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Marlene (Mayene) Nagrampa Epres to the organizations below. Please inquire with your employer about company donation matching programs to make your donation go even further.
Iriga (Bicol) Association of America (IBAA)
(Please contact daughter Christine at [email protected] for IBAA donation instructions)
American Lung Association |
55 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 1150, Chicago, IL 60601 |
American Cancer Society | PO Box 22478
Oklahoma City, OK 73123 | www.cancer.org
Second Harvest Food Bank |
750 Curtner Avenue, San Jose, CA 95125 |
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