Thelma Celeste Humilde

Thelma was born on May 3, 1966, in Anda, Pangasinan, Philippines to her parents Camilo Celeste and Conchita Cacho. She grew up in a family that valued faith, kindness, and perseverance, and was the second youngest of seven children. After completing her elementary education, Thelma attended and graduated from Asbury High School in Anda. With an interest in the medical field, she went on to study at Virgen Milagrosa University in San Carlos City, earning a Bachelors of Science in Pharmacy in 1988. After graduating, she worked various part-time jobs before becoming an account manager at Digitel, a telecommunications company in the Philippines, where she later met Rogelio.

In 2000, Thelma met Rogelio, the love of her life, through a mutual friend. After a year of courtship, they married at Saint Nicholas Catholic Church on December 22, 2001, in her hometown of Anda, Pangasinan, Philippines. In 2004, in Alaminos City, Thelma and Rogelio were blessed with one son, Jerol, whom they loved wholeheartedly. In pursuit of reconnection and new opportunities, Thelma and Jerol immigrated to the United States in 2007 to build their lives alongside Rogelio as residents of San Jose.

A devoted Catholic, Thelma’s faith was the foundation of her life. She passed on the values of faith, kindness, and perseverance to her family. Furthermore, Thelma was a member of the community at the Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, in where she found comfort and joy as an active participant. She formed many close, cherished friendships, and considered her church family to be an extension of her own family brought together by prayer, fellowship, and shared faith.

Thelma enjoyed listening to music, playing the acoustic guitar, singing, dancing, and spending time with others. At every party that had line dancing, she always participated and excelled at it, especially in the Cha-Cha; it was her forte. Not only did she have an outgoing personality that could entertain others, but she also had a warm, tender spirit. Thelma was someone you could always depend on and trust. Whether you needed advice or just someone to talk to, she was always there to listen.

Family was always at the center of Thelma’s life. She loved talking to and catching up with her family back in the Philippines through long Messenger video calls that sometimes lasted all night. When it came to her nieces and nephews in the Philippines, she endearingly paid close attention to them, often sending them gifts. Thelma also treasured every moment spent with her husband and son, finding her greatest joy in simply being together. With every milestone in her life, whether it was a graduation or simply time spent together, she always took countless photos to cherish and preserve those special memories. She loved sending old photos to her family as a way to relive that moment and to say, “Look how much we’ve grown as a family! Amazing, isn’t it?” She cherished every moment with her extensive family and friends, whether over the phone or in person. Every shared meal, heartfelt conversation, and burst of laughter was something she held close to her heart and cherished deeply.

Thelma is survived by her husband, Rogelio Humilde; her son, Jerol Humilde; her siblings, Rosemarie Calicdan, Cecil Celeste, Sendulfo Celeste, Zoilo Celeste, and Melvin Celeste; numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Thelma was reunited with her father, Camilo Celeste, her sister, Belle Celeste, and her mother, Conchita Cacho, who passed before her.

We take comfort in knowing she now rests in God’s eternal embrace. The family extends heartfelt thanks for the prayers, love, and support during this time.

Love you Mama. (Jerol)

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