Mrs. Edita Dela Cruz

Edita Abelon Dela Cruz, 91 of Bani, Pagasinan, Philippines, died Tuesday, December 9, 2010 in Bakersfield, California, surrounded by her children. Born on September 18, 1919 in Bani, she was the third of five children of Antero Abelon and Ciriaca Tugade Abelon. In 1944, she married the late Bani city counselor Marcelino Dela Cruz, who weld be her husband for 60 years until his death in 2004. She spent most of her life in Bani, raising their eight children and overseeing their rice farm and cattle, until immigrating to the United States in 1980. She divided her time between the United States and the Philippine Islands, alternating residences every few years, until 1999 when she decided to stay in California, where most of her children lived. Known endearingly as "Eding" by friends and family, she led an independently simple life. She was a selfless and prudent woman, dedicated to her husband, children, and grandchildren. Despite financial hardships, she sacrificed many pleasures in her life so that she could support all of her children thru college. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers Mauro Abelon and Floro Abelon and sister Julia Catabay. She is survived by her sister Maria Zuniga; eight children, Brudenil Dela Cruz, Perla Marders, and her husband Bernard, Eudocio dela Cruz, Zenaida dela Cruz, Jesusa dela Cruz, Calvin dela Cruz, and his wife Veronica, Merilin dela Cruz and Aurora Jawili and her husband Samuel; her grandchildren Richard Dela Cruz and his wife Ruby, Noel Dela Cruz, Blue Marders, Cysky Marders, Sharon Marders, Michelle Suggs and her husband Jaime, Mark Dodek, Melissa Sy, Rhisie Hentges and her husband Laurent, Russell Cantorna, Jarold Cantorna, Monica Dela Cruz, Vivian Dela Cruz, Kenneth Dela Cruz, and Mary Ann Jawili; and her great-grandchildren. Her family is also greatful for the unwavering support of extended family and friends Efren and Jojo Alquiza; and her caregivers Myrna and Nelia Callejo. There will be a viewing with a Rosary, Thursday, December 16, 2010 from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm and Friday, December 17 from 7:30 am to 8:30 at Delano Mortuary. A graveside service will be held Friday December 17 from 9:00 am to 10:00 am with a Catholic Mass at 9:00 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Delano, California. Final resting place will be at North Kern District Cemetery in Delano, California.

Arrangements under the direction of Delano Mortuary, Delano, CA.