Marcelina Perez Aquino

May 2, 1930 - August 3, 2021

Santa Clara, CA

Marcelina "Celing" Perez Aquino, age 91, passed away on August 3, 2021. She was preceded in death by her husband, Florentino "Ninoy" Aquino; her first-born son, Rodrigo Aquino; her brother, Felix Perez; and her parents Flaviano and Inez Perez. She is survived by her children Adella, Lolita, Jimmy, Felix, Myrna, Elvie, Imelda, Ronnie, Rodjie, and Jake; sons and daughters in-law Jerry Venneman, Seth O'Connor, Brenda Aquino, Randy Agloro, Everett Van Zuiden, Edelyn Aquino, and Joyce Aquino; her 15 grandchildren; her 11, soon to be 12, great-grandchildren; and the many relatives and family friends she has both in the United States and back home in the Philippines.

Marcelina was born in the Philippines in the Province of Pangasinan to the small barrio of Linoc. There, she grew up as a neighbor to her childhood sweetheart and eventual husband, Florentino "Ninoy" Aquino. Although Marcelina's family did not initially approve of Florentino as a suitor for their daughter due to his humble background, their courtship continued. After Marcelina and Florentino shared a kiss on the cheek, Marcelina's family finally supported the marriage of the young couple due to a social protocol that mandated marriage after such displays of affection. They married March 4,1951 and Florentino proved his worth as an excellent husband and provider. Marcelina devotedly took on the role of wife and mother. She birthed 9 children and it brought her great joy to take care of her family.

In 1984, Marcelina and Florentino followed two of their daughters who had already immigrated to the United States. Coming to America, Florentino found work in the fields of Delano, California where Marcelina joined him harvesting and picking grapes to send money home. Florentino made sure to not keep Marcelina working in the fields for too long as he knew it was important to her that she spent time as a homemaker to their family. Eventually, they petitioned to bring all of their children to settle in America for opportunity. Following the death of their oldest son, Rodrigo, Marcelina and Florentino adopted his two children Rodjie and Jake as their own in order to bring them to the United States as citizens.

Marcelina and Florentino eventually moved from Delano to San Diego, California where they helped to take care of their young grandchildren, Anthony, Stacy, Stephanie and Sabrina. After Florentino's retirement, the couple settled in Santa Clara, California where they spent the rest of their lives enjoying their family.

Although Marcelina was a quiet woman, she loved loudly. The core pillar of her life was always the devotion she had to her family. She particularly loved parties and family gatherings. She enjoyed sewing and was a passionate fan of the San Francisco Giants baseball team. She enjoyed watching game shows like Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. Marcelina loved listening to upbeat Mexican and Spanish music because it's in her blood. Her father had Spanish heritage. Spaniards from Spain were in the Philippines for more than 100 years. She enjoyed the company of others. She had an infectious smile and her family lovingly remembers how she laughed with a low chuckle and kind eyes.

Marcelina will truly be missed as she was a light in her family and community. A one-night viewing will be held at the Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary at 466 N. Winchester Blvd. Santa Clara, CA 95050 on Sunday, August 22, 2021 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, with a Rosary Prayer being held at 6:00 pm. On Monday, August 23, 2021, there will be a final viewing at 9:30 am at the Funeral Chapel followed by church service at 11:00 am at St. Clare Parish located at 725 Washington St. After mass, burial at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery at 490 Lincoln St. Reception followed after burial at China Stix at 2110 El Camino Real, CA 95050.