Beatriz Bautista Paje

Beatriz Bautista Paje, age 88, of Temple, passed away and joined the Lord on Friday afternoon, April 27, 2018. She was born on June 11, 1929, in Dagupan City, Philippines, the daughter of Felipe Bautista and Martina Decena. She is the oldest of 16 children. She grew up and attended schools in Dagupan City. She was introduced to Ciriaco Delacruz Paje by a mutual friend. Ciriaco or Ricky was a U.S. Navy enlisted man who was on leave and visiting friends. After a whirlwind courtship, they were married, first in front of a judge on February 8, 1956 in San Carlos, Pangasinan. Ten days later, they had a Catholic wedding at San Gabriel church in Bonuan, Dagupan City. Mrs. Paje lived in San Marcelino, Zambales, her husband’s hometown, until she was able to join him in the United States. As a military wife, she followed her husband wherever he was called to serve, from sea to shining sea. After 24 years in the United States Navy, which included action in 3 wars - World War 2, Korea, and Vietnam, Mr. & Mrs Paje retired, went back to the Philippines and settled in Olongapo City. They have two children – Jeffrey and Carolyn. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, and taking care of her family. They attended St. Joseph Catholic Church. Ricky Paje died in 1995. Betty moved to the Temple, Texas in 1998. She was a parishioner at St Luke Catholic Church for 20 years. She enjoyed travelling. Some of her memorable trips include a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 2000, trips to Las Vegas, Washington DC, and Graceland, visits to family and friends in the Philippines, Hawaii, and Rhode Island, and a pilgrimage to Rome. She is preceded in death by her husband of 39 years, her parents, some of her brothers and sisters, and many of her friends. Survivors include her son Jeffrey Paje, her daughter and son-in-law Carolyn and Franklin Fernandez, and five grandchildren: Kristine Dawn and Felicia Monica Paje of Pampanga, Philippines, and Alexandra, Erika, and Keith Xavier Fernandez of Temple, her “abalayan” (in-law) and best friend Julia Fernandez (Franklin’s mother), and some of her brothers and sisters. She was sweet and courageous, loyal and supportive, funny, loving, and very religious. She is “Mommy Betty” to numerous Filipino friends and “Lola” (grandmother) to their children and grandchildren. She will be missed. Rosary and visitation on Friday, May 4, 2018 at 6pm at St. Luke Catholic Church in Temple. Catholic funeral mass will be on Saturday May 5, 2018 at 11am at St. Luke Catholic Church. She will be cremated, her ashes will be inurned at St. Luke Columbarium.