Leonie Angluben Aquino was born on September 25, 1983, in Bangued, Abra, Philippines. After the sudden passing of her mother Angeline, Leonie came to the United States in 1998 and resided in San Jose, California, where she built a beautiful life filled with family, friendships, adventures, and countless memories.
To know Leonie was to know how deeply she loved. She was caring, funny, strong, selfless, generous, and always thinking of others. Whether through a thoughtful gesture, a helping hand, or simply being there when someone needed her, Leonie had a way of making people feel loved and cared for.
Family was at the center of her world. She shared an especially close bond with her nieces and nephews, whom she loved as if they were her own children. She treasured watching them grow, creating memories with them, and making sure they always knew how much their Auntie Leonie loved them.
For nearly eight years, Leonie worked as a Nurse Case Manager, a career that reflected her compassionate nature and desire to help others. Caring for people wasn’t simply what Leonie did it was part of who she was.
Leonie also loved experiencing life. She enjoyed traveling, exploring new places, being outdoors, and spending time with those closest to her. A proud Bay Area sports fan, she especially loved attending San Francisco 49ers and San Francisco Giants games.
On October 10, 2023, Leonie was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. During the nearly three years that followed, she faced an incredibly difficult journey with remarkable courage, determination, and strength. Even through her own battle, she continued to think of and care for the people around her.
Cancer may have been the final chapter of Leonie’s life, but it will never be the story that defines her. Her story is one of love, family, generosity, adventure, laughter, compassion, and strength.
Leonie leaves behind her father, Amante Aquino; her stepmother, Salvacion Aquino; her sisters, Maneline Valdez and Marysa Nocon; her brother, Amante Aquino Jr.; and her beloved nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind extended family, friends, coworkers, and countless others whose lives were touched by her.
Forty-two years could never have been enough. We wish we could have had more trips, more celebrations, more family gatherings, more games, more conversations, and simply more time. Yet we are forever grateful for every moment we were given.
We will carry Leonie with us in the stories we tell, the places we travel, the family moments we share, and especially through her nieces and nephews she loved so dearly. We will continue to speak her name, share her memories, and remind them just how deeply their Auntie Leonie loved them.
A piece of our family went with Leonie when she left us, but a piece of Leonie will remain with each of us forever.
Rest peacefully, Leonie. You fought hard, loved deeply, and gave so much of yourself to those around you. We love you. We miss you. We will carry you with us always. Until we meet again.
Warrior. Strong. Beautiful. Loved. Always.
