Pacita R. Dela Pena

Pacita was born to Pantaleon and Martina Rillera in Naguilian La Union, Philippines on November 3, 1935. She was an entrepreneur for many years in the Philippines and migrated to the United States in 1988.

Pacita was known for her generosity, kindness, and unwavering commitment to her faith, and was a devout member of the Catholic Church. She will be remembered for being active and generous in helping the seminarians in the Diocese of San Fernando La Union, Philippines. She was a benefactor to seminarians to become a priest and most of them have all become ordained priests.

Pacita was a down-to-earth woman, and she found joy in giving, especially during Christmas and Easter. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren enjoyed standing in line and receiving money from their grandma and they would always give her a kiss on the cheek. She always loved giving to people in need and will be deeply missed.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Paterno Dela Pena who passed in 1993; parents, Pantaleon and Martina Rillera; brothers, Bishop Artemio Rillera who served in the Diocese of San Fernando, La Union, Philippines; Loreto Rillera, Amado Rillera and Vicente Rillera; sisters, Telesfora, Julita, and Florida and daughter-in-law, Bella Dela Pena.

Pacita is survived by her son, Dr. Nicolas Dela Pena; daughters, Ellie Canlas and husband Nick, Ester Fraser and husband Tom, Delia Gonzales and husband Cesar, Carmen Estepa and husband Rudy; sister, Priscilla Macayan; 11 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

A Vigil Service with Rosary will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. with the Recitation of the Rosary beginning at 6:00 p.m. at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, 1490 B Street Merced, California.

The Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 671 E. Yosemite Avenue, Merced, California.

Through this site, we invite you to view and share cherished photos and videos, share fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Dela Pena Family or share the obituary with others via social media and email. Arrangements are under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, Sierra Calvert, Funeral Arranger.