Clarita C. Dela Cruz

Clarita dela Cruz Cadua was born on August 29, 1930 in Olongapo City, Philippines to the late Isabelo Aseo Cadua & Encarnacion Reyes Dela Cruz. She has 9 siblings; 2 brothers & 7 sisters. Considering that she had many siblings, Clarita was unable to pursue her educational endeavors other than completing elementary school. She shared that back then, it was only important to be able to read and write. Her knowledge exceeded beyond the books anyway; it was her personal experiences that gave her the ability to endure life and find contentment in the most simple things.

Clarita's natural beauty was undeniable. In December of 1949, she became Olongapo's Town Fiesta Queen and gained the love and support of many due to her selfless heart. It was not too long after when Emeterio P. dela Cruz was blessed with her presence and he knew she was something special. The soulmates were united as one, in marriage on August 11, 1951 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. They were happily married for 63 years. The unity they had was unbreakable and supported by the love for one another and their relationship with God. This relationship was reflected with her dedication to the church and how active she was in the community.

Clarita was one of the founders of Bible Basic Seminar at St. Columban Parish, where members, with whom she met a lot of her friends, gathered and participated in bible study. She was also the founder of the Legion of Mary at St. Columban, where she became the president. Her dedication to God and the community did not stop there, she was also a member of the Daughters of Mary Immaculate, founder of Apostolada, member of the Catholic Women's and even had the opportunity to teach Catechism in public schools.

In the 80s, Clarita moved to the United States with her husband and resided in San Diego, CA. She worked as a cook at Porto Vaga and at a convalescent home in National City, CA. Although these were her first experiences having a job to adjust to life in the States, it definitely came natural due to her skill and essence in cooking. During the late 90s, Emeterio and Clarita moved to San Francisco, CA where she became a Eucharistic minister of St. Patrick Cathedral and was a loyal Rosarian at the San Lorenzo Ruiz Center. During her free time, she enjoyed cooking, watching her telenovelas, playing cards, going to the casino, visiting friends, and singing.

On April 25, 2015, she was called home at the age of 84. She lived a long and prosperous life and despite the underlying health issues, she was a fighter, for the love of her family and for God. Aside from the talent she had in cooking, which was good to the soul and brought our family together; her legacy goes beyond the family. There is no education that can give you the power and wisdom to touch people's lives; the words of advice that she blessed us with were founded by her belief in peace, love and happiness. Nanay was that one person who you could turn to; to listen to your problems, without any biases, ask for any help, without hesitation and overall genuinely cared for your best interest. In the event she had to overcome an obstacle in life, she turned to prayer. She shared her testaments about the power of prayer and God, and she has done a great job instilling that within the family.

We will truly miss your presence; your tight hugs and kisses, the smell of your food that used to fill up the whole house; your kare-kare, adobo, palabok and so much more. No one can compare to you. And we are most grateful for everything you have done; the sacrifices you have made for the family and your devotion to Tatay. If Nanay was ever present in your life, at any time, you were blessed with the opportunity to know the loving, caring and selfless woman she was.

Clarita is survived by her 5 children; Lillian, Reynaldo, Socorro, Eduardo & Benjamin (deceased). She has 9 grandchildren, Michael, Gian Maria, Jan Emilie, April Nerrise, Noelle Marie, Ericka, Jan Carlo, Lianna Mae & Brandon and 17 great grandchildren. We will miss you so much, but we are at peace and well knowing you are resting in paradise with Tatay. May you dance with him and among the angels and continue to watch over us. We love you Nanay!

Written by: Ericka dela Cruz-Kimbell