Cris A. Bugarin

In the final months of her life, Cris A. Bugarin was rarely alone. It was clear that she had built a close-knit community of extraordinary people who loved her deeply and would do anything for her. Despite being sick, she spent her time worrying about those she loved and trying to take care of them. She thoroughly enjoyed their company and lit up the room with her smile when they walked in. She loved the little gifts and food people brought her and, when she could, had fun giggling and engaging in conversation with them.

She had spent her life cultivating deep and lasting friendships, supporting those around her, and taking care of people, especially those with disabilities and those most in need. She gave love selflessly and wholeheartedly, resulting in friends and family who didn’t want to let her go. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and best friend to many. Even as a child, friends described her as sweet and kindhearted, qualities that remained at the center of who she was throughout her life. While she was giving by nature, she was also a strong leader from the start and fiercely independent. Her strength, generosity, and caring spirit made her a remarkable gift to her family, friends, and all who knew her. She passed away surrounded by the love, support, and friendship she so freely gave to others. Her smile, laughter, warmth, strength, and generosity touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Those qualities were evident from the very beginning. Born on December 12, 1944, in the Philippines, Criselda Angelina de Leon came to the United States as a child filled with bubbly excitement and hope for the future. She was so happy to come to America and proud to later become a United States citizen.

Commonly known as Cris — or “Crissy” to some — she came to the United States to reunite with her mother, Flordeliz R. (Dely) de Leon, formerly Flordeliz R. de Castro, who had previously moved to California to help care for Cris’s cousins. Years after the death of Cris’s father, Dely married Sulpicio A. (Sam) Matulak. Shortly afterward, Cris took the name Criselda Angelina Matulak, and in 1957, the family again expanded when Dely and Sam welcomed Cris’s younger brother, Peter Matulak.

In Stockton, Cris began building the life and character that would define her for decades to come. She grew up in this California city, where she excelled in school, music, leadership, and service. Cris graduated from Edison High School in 1964, where she was active in orchestra, student leadership, the Red Cross, and the National Honor Society. She earned recognition for her scholarship, citizenship, and dedication to helping others. Her lifelong instinct to care for people was evident even then, volunteering her time and supporting those in need.

That same spirit followed her into her early adulthood. She attended San Joaquin Delta College before she graduated from Sacramento State College in 1967. She earned her BA degree in social work and home economics and obtained a secondary teaching credential. It was at San Joaquin Delta College that she met the love of her life, Tem Bugarin of Stockton, but they remained engaged for four years so Cris could finish college. On July 4, 1968, they finally married, beginning a new life filled with partnership, adventure, and family. Together they raised two daughters, Florie and Marie, whom she loved fiercely and unconditionally. Florie later married Don Tolley and gave Cris two beautiful granddaughters, Zoe and Kayla, whom she treasured.

Their growing family would soon embark on a life shaped by military service, sacrifice, adaptability, and deep devotion to one another. Once Tem joined the U.S. Navy, Cris embraced her role as a military spouse and became the steady anchor of the family through constant moves and changing seasons of life. As Tem was called off to sea, often for several months on deployment, she managed the home and finances, while also working at times. Before every move, she would visit the new destination before the family’s arrival to locate the best schools and find the ideal house. With careful consideration, she always created a warm, safe, and loving home wherever they landed. Throughout it all, she selflessly cared for everyone around her, raised her young family, and mentored countless young spouses and friends along the way. She cared for her younger daughter, who developed epilepsy as a young child. Later in life, she dedicated herself to caring for her mother through Alzheimer’s disease and supporting her brother through his own health challenges. All the while, she raised her older daughter and supported a husband whose Navy career often took him far from home. She devoted countless hours to helping people with disabilities and stood by her friends in profound and meaningful ways.

Despite the many responsibilities and challenges she carried with grace and skill, she remained a source of warmth, light, and comfort to those around her. Cris was known for her happy nature, kindness, empathy, and unwavering support of others. She had a smile that was infectious and a spirit that drew people together. Loyal to her friends and deeply devoted to family, she built lifelong relationships rooted in love and generosity. She had a gift for making people feel comfortable, cared for, protected, and welcome.

At the heart of it all, she embraced life with joy and laughter. She loved cute things, jewelry, dancing, shopping for the perfect gift, and celebrating Christmas with giddy enthusiasm that delighted her entire family. She enjoyed flowers, music, television, and movies, and was always ready for a new adventure. Whether driving across the country with her family every two years, enjoying Disney cruises and trips to Hawaii, or simply sharing tea and conversation, Cris found happiness in being together.

Her compassion, dedication, and hard work extended far beyond her own family. In her professional life, she worked as a social worker and executive assistant. She volunteered for the Navy Wives Club of America, working in thrift and gift shops, helping raise money for scholarships and charitable causes, and supporting military spouses and families. She also volunteered her time to the High Five Club, an organization devoted to helping people with disabilities engage in fun activities, enjoy life, and experience new adventures. She was extremely active in the San Diego Wabi Chapter of the Ohara School of Ikebana and the Ikebana International’s San Diego Chapter, where she frequently held leadership positions. She served as president of the I.I. San Diego Chapter and twice served as president of the San Diego Wabi Chapter. She also earned a Second Master’s degree from the Ohara School of Ikebana. Within and apart from these organizations, she always helped her friends through challenges, health issues, and personal struggles. At any moment, she was ready to provide an ear to listen and a hand to help.

Above all else, Cris loved her family deeply. She taught her daughters independence, courage, compassion, and the importance of education. Every night she made sure they heard the words, “Good night, I love you, sweet dreams.” Those simple words became one of the many lasting gifts she leaves behind. Today, they are the same words her granddaughters hear each night before they close their eyes.

Cris was a loving grandmother. To Kayla and Zoe, she was their Nana. She loved dressing them up, buying them toys, and watching them play. Shortly before she became ill, she traveled to the East Coast and attended their holiday concerts and school activities, watched their swimming and skating lessons, and laughed, tickled, and played with them. She enjoyed their hugs and kisses and delighted in watching them open Christmas presents. To Cris, these simple everyday moments were life’s treasures.

Her family will forever hold dear those precious moments of warmth and love. She is deeply cherished in memory by her daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughters, who will endlessly hold her love close to their hearts. She is also survived and extremely missed by her brother, Peter Matulak. Cris’s spirit is held tenderly in the hearts of her extended family, including her many cousins and their loved ones and Tem’s large and tightly knit side of the family. She is also fondly remembered by dear friends whose lives she touched with kindness and care. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter Marie, in-laws, some extended family members, and a few close friends.

Cris will be remembered for her generous heart, fearless spirit, sense of fun, loyal friendship, and the countless ways she cared for others. Her love lives on in the family she cherished, the friends she embraced as family, and the many lives she touched through her compassion and strength. She was a true gift to the world because she made life lighter, kinder, and more joyful for countless people.

She will be deeply missed and forever loved.