Inocencia Arriola Gamboa

Inocencia Arriola Gamboa, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on September 11, 2024, in San Diego, California. Born in Cebu City, Philippines, on July 28, 1925, she was the second of five children born to Primo and Gerarda Ybanez Arriola. Known affectionately as "Cencia" by her friends, she received her education at Colegio de la Inmaculada Conception, a Catholic school run by the Daughters of Charity, a congregation founded in 1663 in Paris, France, by St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac, whose teachings deeply influenced her faith and devotion.

During World War II, Inocencia met Pedro Carabuena Gamboa in Bantayan, Cebu. They married at the Church of St. Peter and Paul. Their marriage, which lasted over 50 years until Pedro's passing in 1993, was blessed with nine children who survive her: Susan (Toronto, Ontario), Edgar and Lucie (Prunedale, California), Evelyn and Rey del Mar (Orlando, Florida), Alan (Roslyn, New York), Daisy and Virgilio Gonzalez (Escondido, California), Henry and Cora (Stamford, Connecticut), Chona and Gene Domdom (Escondido, California), Andrew and Rosie (Escondido, California), and Robert and Wilma (Escondido, California).

Inocencia dedicated her life to raising her children in Cebu City, ensuring they received the same Catholic education she had cherished. Alongside Pedro, she exemplified the virtues of faith and selflessness, teaching her children to always trust in Divine Providence and consider the needs of others.

In the mid-1970s, amid political unrest, Inocencia and Pedro, encouraged by friends Joseph and Evelyn Petta of Brooklyn, New York, emigrated to Canada and then to the United States in search of a better future for their children. Despite the challenges of leaving their homeland and starting anew, their resilience and faith guided them through this transition.

An enthusiastic participant in sports such as softball, golf, and bowling, Inocencia was also a devoted fan of the San Diego Padres and Chargers. Gifted with a near-photographic memory, she knew every top-ranking tennis player and their records. Her remarkable memory made her the go-to person for telephone numbers, addresses, and important dates before the advent of smartphones and GPS. She never missed sending birthday cards or greetings, endearing her to her 67 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and many other family members and friends worldwide.

Inocencia was also a remarkable cook. During one of many family reunions, her children compiled her numerous recipes and self-published them for future generations.

In her later years, Inocencia embarked on numerous pilgrimages to Marian shrines, including Fatima, Lourdes, Rome, Medjugorje, Guadalupe, and the Holy Land. After Pedro's death, she channeled her energy into making rosaries for prisons and missions worldwide and dedicated her mornings to prayers and devotions. She maintained a list of departed loved ones for whom she prayed daily and had a special devotion to Our Blessed Mother Mary, St. Anthony of Padua, St. Therese of Lisieux, and St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina.

Inocencia's unwavering faith and loving spirit leave a lasting legacy. It is with profound gratitude and love that we remember her and believe she is now resting peacefully in Heaven. ##