Cynthia Pornillos Nierva

Cynthia Uvero Pornillos Nierva, age 76, was born on September 14, 1947 to Godofredo and Virginia Pornillos in Nabua, Camarines Sur Philippines. After a 12-year journey with lung cancer, she passed away peacefully with her daughters by her side on March 22, 2024 at the University of California, San Diego Jacobs Medical Center in La Jolla, California.

Cynthia graduated from Nabua National High School in 1965 and went on to obtain her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at the University of Nueva Caceres in Naga City, Philippines. She graduated with honors and was recognized as a topnotcher for placing 6th in the 1970 Philippine Nurses Licensure Examination. After college graduation, she landed her first job at Lourdes Hospital in Iriga City, Philippines and relocated to Toronto, Canada in 1972. She then moved to San Diego, California and worked at Alvarado Community Hospital as an oncology nurse for 30 years until she retired in 2003.

On June 28,1973, Cynthia married Cecilio Bolivar Nierva, her townmate from Nabua, and they were married for over 50 years. They raised two daughters, Christy and Cyril, instilling in them the values of family, culture, community and education. They both were college counselors at UC San Diego, wedding coordinators with Bellz & Whistlez and involved in the Bicol Club of San Diego County, where Cynthia was an active member. She was on the Board of Directors, participated in several planning committees and supported many of their programs, particularly the Penafrancia Fiesta and the Bicol Youth Group. In addition, she contributed to her hometown churches and typhoon relief centers in Nabua while also assisting the local children with their educational expenses. She was kind and generous in helping her community back home in the Philippines.

Cecilio and Cynthia returned to Nabua in 2006 to open a food court and to build Cynthia’s dream house in the Philippines. Known as “The White House of Nabua”, this modern and one-of-a-kind home sits on top of a pond with a living room glass floor that could be opened to fish from inside the house! Cynthia thought of her grandchildren for this unique feature. Cecilio and Cynthia would travel back and forth from the Philippines and United States every six months to enjoy rural life in Nabua and then spend time with their family and friends in America. When in San Diego, Cynthia found so much joy being with her three grandsons. They affectionately called her “Anma '' and she spoiled them with their favorite meals, day trips, sleepovers and abundantly showered them with “pera” (money) during their performances in the NIERVAriety Show. The boys said they will forever remember Anma for being “so nice, always giving and very loving.” She is also known for her collection of special plumerias, hundreds of orchids, original Cabbage Patch Dolls and her signature Pilipino treats of manduya, puto bukayo, linubak, balikotsa, siopao and her infamous almond crust peach cheesecake! Cynthia enjoyed making these delicacies and creating these memories during social activities, community functions and family gatherings. She will always be remembered for her hospitality, compassionate heart and infectious smile.

She is survived by her husband, Cecilio; two daughters, Christy and Cyril; two sons-in-law, Francis and Quoc; her brother, Emmanuel; three grandsons Elijah, Cadence and Cylas and many nephews, nieces and godchildren.

A link to the livestream: https://memoryafilms.com/nierva/