Teofista Velasco Guevara

Mom was known as "Pistang" to her close friends and relatives. She was most of her life a Stay Home Mom. She worked a little bit when Dad retired and came to live in Oregon.

The simple description I could say of Mom is "tough but very kind and real compassionate."

Mom would give her last penny and the only food she had even if it was all she had.

Mom's life evolved within the family only, children and in-laws, extended family and few good friends. She had 7 children and 2 stepchildren which she raised herself with the help of her mother,( who lived with her when my grandfather became sick) and a couple of housekeepers who did laundry and cleaning. Mom did most of the grocery shopping and cooking.It is not because she likes to cook but, for the simple reason that she wants to know what she is eating.She was a real picky eater. Dad cooked on weekends when her house Helpers were on their days-off.

Mom had a huge collection of dresses & shoes and some of those I remember are now back in style. She loved to dress up for all occasions and a very smart dresser. She loved to listen to the mid afternoon soap operas on the radio. Two of her favorites were "Dear Tia Delly" and "Dear Kuya Eddie." I don't think she missed any of those while her children were all taking naps.

Mom's favorite day is Sunday. This was the time, Dad took us all out to church, restaurants for lunch, to a park and visit her mother-in-law and spend the rest of the day with her. She used to enjoy a boat ride with Dad and her kids. Until one day, Dad realized that all the kids were so little that if the boat had an accident and sunk, he would not know whom to rescue first, because Mom did not know how to swim. I don't think Dad will save himself first, he probably will try to save us all at once, if I know him. He was a worrier wort. So, boat ride was eliminated and Sunday movies in theaters on Sundays became the usual Sunday routine. This routine will be broken only, if she had to go to the hospital to give birth or had a baptismal party at home.

When Mom entertains friends and relatives, she would prepare the most grand and elaborate dishes she knew to prepare and she shares those with the neighbors as well.

Mom loved Dad and was so devoted to him and all her children, stepchildren and grandchildren. She kind of spoiled us all gave us what we want but watch out, if we disobeyed her, she dealt with us real tough.She was a very good mom who was a good disciplinarian.

She was a person of few words but knew what she wanted accomplished.

She was a very devout Christian who loved the Lord and never missed church on Sundays except when one of the kids was sick. She was a prayer warrior and prayed everyday without ceasing. She prayed for everyone in the family and anyone who asked for prayers who were sick and lonely.

Mom's family owned a large estate with farm and had fish ponds on them in one of the large provinces in the Visayas, Philippines. She told me that she was a real naughty and tough kid. Her Mom was not able to discipline her because she is not able to catch her. She used to run and climb a tall tree until grandma cools down. I don't know what happened after that, she never told me. I guess she took after both of her parents traits. She used to tell me that her Dad used to paddle his boat to an island and swam from island to island by himself until his arms got tired.

Mom was so generous that when she left home and her parents passed away, that she did not even think of going back to her hometown to claim back the properties they owned. She let her relatives who took over ran the place and gave it to them.

Mom and Dad emigrated to America in the 1980's when Dad retired and lived in Oregon since.

To sum up Mom's Social History, it is to nurture her family, to have fun time with family especially her kids and grandkids and great grandkids. She had a 'golden heart', always forgiving, non-judgmental, and the real best Mom that ever lived.

We all love her so very much and will be missing her. We are so glad that she is now with the Lord, no more pain, no more tears but everlasting love, peace and happiness.