Socorro Emerenciana Sales

With great sadness, we announce the passing of our courageous mother, Mrs. Socorro “Cora” Emerenciana Sales on Wednesday, May 24, 2023. While sleeping, she passed away peacefully of natural causes at the Hearts at Home Eldercare home. Cora was born on July 1, 1926, in the small, rural town of Bato, Catanduanes, Philippines. She was ninety-six years old and predeceased by her loving husband, Regalado (Tony) Sales; her parents, Damiana and Exequel; four siblings Jaime, Jose, Corazon (Pedro) Teves, and Lydia; and cousin/best friend Belen Tatad.

Cora is survived by two daughters, Arlene Sales, and Belinda (James) Polk; three grandchildren, Jenny Polk (Tyler Griggs), Jimmy Polk (Egypt Boston), and Brian (Emily) Polk; two great-grandchildren, Wylder, and James; sister, Concepcion; and many others who knew and loved her.

Some of Cora's proud moments were becoming fluent in seven of the many Filipino languages that exist today; getting married to the love of her life, Regalado (aka Tony) Sales; moving to the U.S. and becoming a U.S. citizen during the bicentennial year; having and raising two daughters; and helping to raise three grandchildren.

Cora lived her life with exuberance and independence going from a small, farm town in the Philippines to California and then to Virginia. She loved life as much as she loved her family. She was kind, generous and had had a tremendous capacity to nurture anything (plants, animals, and people). She had a big heart and always made room for each person she met. She will be deeply missed.

Rest in peace, Socorro, Coring, Cora, Mom, Mama, Grandma, and Great Grandma. We love you.

A celebration of life for Socorro will be held Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home, 601 N Witchduck Rd, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462. A burial will occur at Rosewood Memorial Park, 631 North Witchduck Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kellumfuneralhome.com for the Sales family.