Teresita Francisco Jornales

Teresita Jornales, at the age of 92, went to be with her Heavenly Father following a brief illness. She died peacefully, surrounded by all her children and one grandchild in prayer and supported by their prayers and the prayers of many others.

Teresita Francisco was born in Bula, Camarines Sur, in the Bicol region of the Philippines on September 12, 1933. She married Generoso Jornales in 1962, and is survived by four children, six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

A loving mother, wife and grandmother, she was affectionally known as “Lola Tessie” by many, especially her grandchildren. She was a hairdresser for many years and beloved by her customers, tirelessly working long hours in order to provide a better life for her children.

Like many Filipinas, her love language was expressed through her passion for all things culinary. Teresita was quick to provide food for any and all celebrations, get-togethers and gatherings—especially birthdays, where she would make her famous pancit (rice noodles) and “Bicol Express” (vegetables cooked in coconut). Even after she lost her sense of taste in 2021, her cooking was, miraculously, just as flavorful, and as always just as lovingly prepared.

Fervent in her Catholic faith and unceasing in her devotion, Teresita made religion the crux of her life. She read the Bible regularly and went on many pilgrimages; she prayed rosaries day and night. To help her achieve St. Paul’s admonition to “Pray without ceasing,” she surrounded herself with blessed candles, prayer cards and crucifixes which supported her deep prayer life. Even in her sleep one could hear her reciting litanies and intercessions.

Her love for Christ was as insatiable as her love of life infectious. In her younger years, she traveled extensively for pilgrimages to Catholic shrines in Europe and the Holy Land.

In going to Mexico City just a few months ago—the last pilgrimage she undertook before her death—Teresita fulfilled a lifelong dream to visit Our Lady of Guadalupe after reading a Filipino comic book inspired by the Blessed Virgin when she was a teenager.

She is survived by her children, Maria Janeta, Maria Luisa, Maria Myla and Generoso, Jr; her grandchildren, Nicole, Leslie, Rena, Chloe, Tessa and Noah and great grandchildren, Jaden, Adeline and Liam.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Generoso and her beloved parents, brothers and sister.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church in Woodbridge, VA at 11 am on March 19, 2026.

Viewing at the Mullins & Thompson Funeral Home in Stafford, VA from 1:30-3:30 pm and reception from 1:30-5:30 pm on March 19, 2026.

Interment will follow on March 20, 2026 at 10 am at the Colonial Grove Memorial Cemetery in Virginia Beach, VA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Disciples of the Hearts of Jesus & Mary by texting DCJM to 77977, or write a check to DCJM at 13752 Mary's Way, Woodbridge, VA 22191, or at www.dcjm.org/usa.