Esmyrna Soriano dela Cruz, 86, passed away August 19, 2019 around 7:00 pm at her home surrounded by her loving family in San Jose, California. She was born on December 30, 1932 in Mababalacat, Pampanga, Philippines to Raymundo and Remigia Soriano.
Esmyrna is survived by her loving husband, Emmer dela Cruz; sons, Menon (Dee), Manolo (Boboy) and Michael James (MJ); daughters, Marie (Roquel) and Mabel (Dobbs); son-in-law, Carlos Hernandez; daughters-in-law, Eileen dela Cruz, Gemma dela Cruz, and Lynli dela Cruz; grandchildren: Gabriel (Gabe) Perez, Yasmine Hernandez, Rainna Hernandez, Dustin Hernandez, Vannesa Hernandez, Jerell dela Cruz, William dela Cruz, Jaden dela Cruz, Noah dela Cruz, Lance dela Cruz, Jillian dela Cruz, and Alissa dela Cruz; granddaughters-in law, Michelle dela Cruz and Amanda Pham; sisters, Aster Garcia and Eloise Pritchard; and many other loving nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Esmyrna started teaching in the Philippines at age 21. She taught 3rd and 5th graders. She is fondly remembered by many of her students as being strict, beautiful and well-dressed. When she came to the U.S. she stopped teaching. She said the standards were very different and not disciplined enough compared to the Philippines. She worked part-time as a teacher's aide, then worked full-time in the electronics industry for many years until she retired.
She married the love of her life, Emmer dela Cruz, on December 8, 1957. They started dating while they were in college but actually first met in 3rd grade. Married for 61 years, they were the greatest example of true love, honor, respect, and commitment. They renewed their vows on their 25th, 40th, and 50th wedding anniversaries with grand style and celebration.
Esmyrna came to the U.S. as a tourist in 1967 to visit her husband, Emmer, who also came to the U.S. a couple of years earlier. Emmer received his immigrant status in 1968 and petitioned the family soon after. The family, Esmyrna and 5 children, migrated to the U.S. in 1969. Esmyrna loved God and her family first and foremost. She was so proud of all her children and grandchildren. They were her pride and joy. She loved gardening and collecting photos of family. She loved to dance, travel (especially cruising), and cook for family and friends. She made friends easily and was surrounded by so many who loved her dearly.
She is preceded by her parents, Raymundo and Remigia Soriano; mother and father-in-law, Diosdado and Roberta dela Cruz; sisters, Benjamina Diaz and Angela Rivera; brother Ben Rivera; brothers-in-law Luis Diaz and Conrado Ignacio; sister-in-law, Nimia Ignacio; baby daughters Marife and Malou, and grandson Anthony Joseph dela Cruz Hernandez.
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