Teresita Atrero Arcelao

With profound sadness and loving remembrance, we announce the passing of Teresita Atrero Arcelao, a devoted wife, loving mother, treasured sister, and dear friend whose kindness and warmth touched the lives of many.

Teresita passed away peacefully on August 3, 2026, at the age of 83, following a period of illness while receiving comfort care at Kaiser Permanente in San Diego, California. Surrounded by love and cared for with tenderness, she departed this life leaving behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and unwavering devotion to her family.

Teresita was born on June 26, 1943, in Candelaria, Zambales, Philippines, a daughter of the late Alejandro and Juana Falaminiano Atrero. On January 24, 1965, she married Paulino Arcelao, beginning a marriage and lifelong companionship that endured for more than sixty-one years.

From an early age, Teresita possessed an enterprising spirit. After high school, she developed a passion for selling dry goods and other merchandise, with the hope of one day building a business of her own. She loved meeting people and had an effortless way of making them comfortable and welcome. Her warmth, patience, radiant smile, and unmistakable dimples were among the many qualities that endeared her to others. With her natural charm and gentle persistence, she had a special gift for winning people over – even those who had initially said no. Yet of all the roles she embraced in life, none meant more to Teresita than caring for her family.

She loved her children and grandchildren deeply and expressed that love in countless everyday ways. She delighted in playing with her grandchildren, making them laugh, sharing stories, and simply spending time with them. She checked on them often, sometimes just to ask whether they had eaten or to hear how their day had been.

Caring for those she loved was second nature to her. Even during her illness, when her own strength was fading, she continued to think first of her family, still trying to prepare meals and make certain that everyone around her was cared for. These quite acts of love reflected the very essence of who she was – selfless, nurturing, and deeply devoted.

Her Legacy of Love

Teresita found great joy in the simple beauty of everyday life. She loved gardening and seemed to have a special touch that allowed plants to flourish under her care, particularly her cherished orchids and roses.

She was equally gifted in the kitchen. Her cooking brought family together and became an important part of celebrations, gatherings, and ordinary days at home. With remarkable creativity, she could look inside the refrigerator, gather whatever ingredients were available, and transform them into a delicious meal made with love.

Music also held a special place in her heart. Among her favorite songs were “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley, “Only You” by The Platters, and the familiar melodies of Ilocano folk songs that connected her to her roots and treasured memories.

Teresita was preceded in death by her sister, Purificacion Valenzuela, and her brother, Samuel Atrero.

She leaves behind her beloved husband, Paulino Arcelao of San Diego, California; her brother, Roberto Atrero of the Philippines; her sister, Lina Tongson of Sacramento, California.

She will be remembered by her children, Gemma Lacuna of the Philippines, Eva Arcelao-Magno, her son, Noel Arcelao, and Anne Cara of San Diego, California; and their spouses, Albert Lacuna, Marvin Magno, Marie Arcelao, and Joselito Cara Jr.; her seven grandchildren—Aljake, Paulo, Paul Luis, Allen, Justin, Zoe, and Hazelle—and four great-grandchildren; and her many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

Teresita’s life was defined not by grand gestures, but by the countless ways she gave of herself each day – with a meal lovingly prepared, a garden patiently tended, a warm smile freely offered, a story shared, or simple question asked out of concern: “Have you eaten?”

Those small expressions of love became the foundation of a family and the memories that will now be treasured forever.

Though her absence leaves an immeasurable space in the hearts of those who loved her, Teresita’s spirit lives on in the family she nurtured, the lives she touched, and the love she gave so generously.

She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever held in our hearts.