Benjamina Duterte

She was born on October 9, 1945, in Calasiao, Pangasinan, Philippines, to Marcos and Filomena Palaganas.

Newly married, Benjamina immigrated to the United States from the Philippines in 1968. She lived in San Francisco and Hayward before settling in San Jose, where she built a life rooted in family, faith, and hard work. She carried a joyful spirit and a constant smile that drew people in, creating a sense of comfort and care wherever she went.

Throughout her life, she devoted herself to her home and stood alongside her husband in every business venture they pursued. She was the driving force that inspired her husband to start their successful real estate and mortgage companies. She found joy in playing Bingo and trying her luck at the slot machines, simple pleasures that brought her laughter and excitement. Her presence brought comfort, and her love created a home filled with warmth and generosity.

She is survived by her five children: Armie, Edwin, Esther, Cindy, and Brenda and her eight grandchildren: Jonathan, McKayla, Zoey, Damian, Emily, Skyler, Nathan, and Lily, who will forever carry her love and lessons in their hearts. She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Ildefonso Duterte.