Carmen Mata Acosta

August 12, 1927 ~ January 29, 2019

Born in Rosales, Pangasinan, Philippines, Maria Clara del Carmen Mata Acosta was an incredibly wonderful and kind daughter, sister, aunt, godmother and friend.

She served as a Private of the Women’s Auxiliary Service (WAS) 3rd Batallion, 121st Infantry at Pudoc, San Vicente, Ilocos Sur at the end of World War II in 1945. A graduate of the University of Santo Tomas, she spent her early years as an educator, spending 10 years in Mindanao working with missionaries to teach Tagalog.

When she arrived in Stockton in the late 1970’s, her adventurous spirit eventually led her to Los Angeles where she lived for more than 20 years and worked at Temple Hospital. She returned to Stockton to be closer to family and lived in Little Manila’s Filipino Plaza where she enjoyed attending the annual Barrio Fiesta that reminded her of the Philippines.

Constantly surrounded by circles of people who were drawn to her signature smile and unconditional loving spirit, Carmen will be greatly missed. She is survived by the families of her siblings Lourdes Acosta Udo, José Acosta, Joaquin Acosta, Agustín Acosta, and Juanito Acosta.