Caridad S Coquia

In 1952, Caridad graduated from Baguio Cordallera University with a degree in Business Administration. She participated in many activities and served as a Student Council Secretary. Caridad met Daniel Coquia through a friend during her college years. It was a classic story of a boy falling for a girl but thinking she was involved with another. Little did he know that she was very much smitten with him. Caridad and Daniel were married September 24, 1955. Soon after Danilo (’56) was born, then Ramon (’57), Evelyn (’60), Lorna (’62) Raul (’63) Luz (’64), Fernando (’66) and lastly Ella (’71). Unfortunately, both Fernando and Ella died of complications soon after their births.

With Daniel’s education in Mechanical Engineer, he was able to apply at various jobs in the States. Caridad and Daniel were determined to relocate to the States. Daniel chose the opportunity to relocate to California, San Francisco to be exact. In March 1971, Daniel ventured out to San Francisco leaving Caridad with six children. With a job and a home secured, the four older children joined Daniel in October 1971. After burying her youngest, Ella, Caridad and the two youngest joined the rest of the family In March of 1972. The family lived in the Bay Area for 53 years with 49 years residing in Santa Clara County.

As soon as the children were settled with school and had a routine home life, Caridad had a brief employment with Wells Fargo, then eight years of employment with Center for Employment Training (1974-1982) as a statistical clerk in the statistical department, then transferring as a secretary in their planning department. In 1993, Caridad retired from the Santa Clara County Social Services Agency after ten years of service in the Publishing Department. In September 1995, Caridad and Daniel celebrated their 40th Anniversary. Daniel was Caridad’s love of her life and stayed devoted providing the care he needed until his death on May 2, 1998.

After Caridad sold her home, she resided in a few retirement communities then progressed to living in assisted living communities with Belmont Village SJ being her last residence before her death. Caridad had been in good health even when diagnosed with dementia nine years ago. In the end, dementia gained control over her life. She passed away March 5th, four days after she celebrated her 91st birthday.

Caridad was a very strong and independent woman, mom, grandmother, and great grandmother who was ahead of her time. All twelve grandchildren, one great grandchild and five remaining children have great respect for what she had accomplished as well as in awe of her resiliency and generosity.