Magdalena Mendoza Escalona

Magdalena Mendoza Escalona, loved by many in the Filipino community, died on Sunday, November 28, 2021, just two days before her 96th birthday. Her story was the American immigrant story – she came to the United States after World War II seeking a better life, found work “shaking” crabs at Pier 47, and looking younger than her years, enrolled at Garfield High School, graduating in 1951 (at the age of 26 but passing for 17). She was courted by a shy, but dashing merchant mariner, Dominador (Danny) Escalona, who she wed in 1954.

Like all immigrants she worked hard to get a piece of the American dream, spending more than 30 years as a machine operator at Jen-Cel-Lite, saving for a home, and raising three sons: Dan, Ed, and Pete. For much of the time she was a de facto single working mother while Dominador was at sea.

Her bedroom, overflowing with photographs, artifacts, and decades of memories, reflected the central pillars of her life: family, friends, and church. Among the crucifixes and rosaries, photos of her husband, sons, granddaughters (Zoe, Sabrina, and Christine), and beloved nieces and honorary daughters (Mary Jean and Ninfa), vied with those of her friends on their many travels (including Europe, Israel, the Caribbean, and of course, the Philippines). But in place of honor? Her true favorite mariner – Ichiro Suzuki.

She leaves an extended family of Escalonas, Mendozas, and Castros who mourn the passing of their Auntie Daling. But we are also joyful knowing that she is reunited with her husband Dominador and son Daniel, playing an endless game of rummy.

A visitation and rosary for Magdalena will be held Thursday, December 9, 2021 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Butterworth Funeral Home, 520 W RAYE ST, SEATTLE, WA 98119. A funeral mass will occur Friday, December 10, 2021 from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church, 25810 156th Ave SE, Covington, WA 98042. A graveside service will follow Friday, December 10, 2021 from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Holyrood Catholic Cemetery, 205 NE 205th St., Shoreline, WA 98155.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared below for the ESCALONA family.