Dr. Zenobia Caces Sumabat, also known as “Bong,” passed away on August 5th, 2019 in San Jose, CA at the age of 70. She was born in Manila, Philippines to Judge Simeon and Carolina Caces on 12/31/1948. She went to a public school in elementary and attended high school at San Alberto Magno Academy in Tubao La-Union, Philippines. She graduated from University of Santo Thomas with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Pre-med, and a Doctoral Degree in Medicine in 1972. She worked as a physician for many years in Iran and in the Philippines, and cared for many lives, which some of whom became part of our family. She met Joseph Sumabat Sr. in high school and eventually married on May 17, 1974 in Santa Rosa, Laguna. On June 6, 1976 they had their Catholic wedding at St. Abraham’s Church in Tehran, Iran.
Bong was not born of privilege but through hard work, she and Joseph persevered and were able to deliver a good life, a life full of love, to their successful children. As a mom, she instilled in her children the value of life-long learning, humility, the importance of service to others, and an unwavering love for God. Bong was beautiful, inside and out, loving, intelligent, and hardworking.
Bong was a mother (figure) to many. She loved to cook and serve her family and friends. She loved tasting the many cuisines she came across, especially Middle Eastern, and Persian/Iranian food. Bong loved to travel, and more so when she traveled with family. Her favorite color is purple, and favorite past time is watching The Filipino Channel, playing Candy Crush, and scrolling through Facebook. More importantly, she enjoyed spoiling her grandchildren. She danced a lot with her husband, and enjoyed taking part in choreographed dances with her siblings and cousins. Bong promoted the value of a good education and its ability to transcend ones future. She lived a humble life, full of focus on providing and ensuring a good life for her children and husband. She was always ready to help anyone in need. She did so, even in her death by donating her organs in the hope of prolonging more lives.
Her fierce love for her family, was surpassed only by her deep devotion to the Catholic Church and the Blessed Virgin Mary. Through that end she was a very involved as Parishioner at The Holy Cross Catholic Church in San Jose, CA, where she was a choir member and an avid volunteer.
Bong is preceded by:
Parents are Simeon and Carolina Caces
Sister Germilina Caces
Bong is survived by:
Husband: Joseph G. Sumabat, Sr
Children: Joseph Jr. & Ivy Sumabat, Christian & Leanna Sumabat, Charlene & Germie Lazo Jr., Kristine Sumabat
Grandchildren: Makayla, Eleesa, Sofia, Jordan, Lana, & Zoey Sumabat
Brothers & Sisters: Imelda & Renato Ladines, Albert & Emmie Caces, Wilfredo & Gloria Caces, Asela & Carlton Tiamson
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