didn’t matter if they were family or friends- everyone loved Mama Ciring. Though she is no longer with us, we find comfort knowing she is reunited with her husband, Francisco Facultad who passed in March 1993, and her oldest son Rene “Boy” Facultad who left us in October 2016.
Mama was born on January 28, 1935 in Escalante Negros Occidental, Philippines. She later married our Papa and they moved to Olongapo, Phillippines where they raised 7 children, Rene “Boy”, Vilma “Inday”, Bella, Rey “Nonoy”, Nelia “Neneng”, Joel “Bong” and May Ann. Because mama’s heart always has room for more, they completed their family by adopting Joseph.
In 1987, Papa and Mama joined their eldest daughter Vilma, son-in-law George, and 2 granddaughters Rosemary and Catherine in the United States. Mama spent her days caring for her grandchildren and some of the other neighborhood kids, all while taking care of Papa so Vilma and George could work. Upon her arrival, she immersed herself in US culture by watching many popular shows such as Knight Rider, People’s Court, and I Love Lucy. She also enrolled in English as Second Language classes at the local adult school so she could better communicate in her new home country. She became a United States Citizen and petitioned for the rest of her children to join her.
Mama continued to care for her family by traveling all over the world to care for her grandchildren. She spent time in San Diego, New Jersey, Las Vegas, Colorado, Hawaii and even Japan. Mama was always dedicated to helping her children so they could balance work and home life. For all who knew her, she loved to travel and could not stay in one city very long before she got bored. Keeping track of her whereabouts was difficult, because once you figured out what city she was in, she would be back on a plane flying across the country.
Mama dedicated her life to the church, and was active in the various ministries in the Philippines and in the US. She was a member of the Legion of Mary, Catholic Women’s League, St. John of the Cross Choir and the St. John of the Cross Filipino-American Community. She loved to sing in the church and like a true Filipino – sing karaoke all day! One of her favorite’s is Wham!’s “Last Christmas”, and it did not matter what time of year it was. Most days if you walk by her room you could hear her singing because that always made her happy.
Mama’s unexpected passing is a result of COVID-19, and she took her last breaths in Las Vegas, Nevada. She is survived by her siblings in the Philippines, 7 children and their spouses, 18 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. She will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery in San Diego, California with her loving husband, Francisco.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.conradlemongrove.com for the Facultad family.
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