Felicidad Manas Gonzales

It is with deep love and heartfelt sorrow that we announce the passing of Felicidad Manas Gonzales, who returned to the Lord on her 95th birthday, May 9, 2025, in Fountain Valley, California. Born on May 9, 1930, in San Antonio, Zambales, Philippines, Felicidad was a beacon of strength, grace, and unconditional love throughout her life.

Felicidad was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Isabelo Gonzales, who passed away on December 25, 2001; her son, Mario Gonzales; her son-in-law, Adriano Cabanban; and her granddaughter, Andrea Cabanban. Their memories live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

A devoted wife, loving mother of six, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, Felicidad's legacy is etched in the hearts of the generations she nurtured.

Felicidad was the quiet backbone of her family—a woman whose strength was not in grand gestures but in the endless small sacrifices she made every day. As a mother, she gave her youth to sleepless nights and gentle lullabies, raising her children with unwavering patience and fierce love. She taught kindness, discipline, and resilience—not through words, but through a life lived with humility and faith.

As a grandmother and great-grandmother, Felicidad was a warm refuge, known for her open arms, hearty meals, and stories that carried the wisdom of generations. Her home was a sanctuary of love, tradition, and comfort, where every child felt like the center of the world. Her lap was a throne of stories, songs (especially the blues), and unconditional love.

She had a deep love for cooking—famous for her pancit, dinuguan, and pinakbet—gardening, cleaning, and even enjoyed visits to the casino. She lived a life rich not in material wealth, but in love, laughter, and legacy. She was loving, caring, God-fearing, and a friend to many.

She is survived by her children: Aurora Edora and her husband Rudy Edora; Emerlinda Cabanban; Ester Aranda and her husband Agustin Aranda; Genaro Gonzales and his wife Maria Fina; and Romeo “Romey” Gonzales, as well as her daughter-in-law, Aida F. Gonzales. She is also lovingly remembered by her grandchildren: Rhodora and Ben Sangalang, Rachelle and Fernando Dizon, Rod Voltaire and Ronaldo Tecson, Audrey, Dennis and Faye, Raymond and Grace, Merianne, Beverly, Armida, Andbel Marc, Aldrin Justin and Jessica, Alvin Jason and Jackie, April Marie and Dion, Generra Rhea and Devin. Her great-grandchildren include Tia Marie and Jacob Sr., Joshua and Michelle, Stacy, Benjamin III and Jewel, Aaron “Eli”, Angelina and Justin, Monique “Nikkie”, Samantha, Angelo, Denise, Andrei, Ken Ralph “Choi”, Gabrielle, Gael, Alexandra “Colleen”, Corleone, Ellie Reese, Luisa Inez “Lulu”, Arthur James, Agustino Jace, Juniper Samarie, Bruce Logan, Jet Genaro, and Isabella Mae. Her great great-grandchildren include: Jacob Jr, Leila Jade, Kylie, Mila, Tre “Wes”, Virgil, Vincent “Vinny”.

She is also mourned by her sister, Conchita “Diding” Villagracia, and a wide extended family and community who will forever cherish her presence.

Visitation and Rosary will be held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Westminster Memorial Park Main Chapel.

The Funeral Service will take place on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 9:30 AM, also at the Westminster Memorial Park Main Chapel, with the Graveside Service to follow in the Garden of Four Seasons with the assistance of the Pallbearers: Raymond Gonzales Cabanban, Aldrin Justin Aranda, Alvin Jason Aranda, Joshua Rodolfo Edora Sangalang, Dexter Villagracia, Henton Dion Hurd, Jr. and (Devin Michael Tyra).

Felicidad’s life was not measured by years alone, but by the deep roots she planted and the love she gave. She leaves behind a family united by her example and a legacy that will live on for generations.

"Well done, good and faithful servant."

(Matthew 25:23)