From Wanda Bertram

I have known Gina and her family for 13 years. Her mom was a very special woman. It was hard for me to visit her in the hospital, I didn't want to lose another mom. I felt like she was my surrogate mom after my mom passed away. But after a day of praying for her I heard God say to me you are not losing another mom you are gaining another angel. All of us should be very happy for Mom because we know she accepted our Lord before she passed. She is having a great big wonderful party with Christ right now. May you all have love and peace knowing Mom is at peace.

From Tianna Love

As I was writing my tribute for my grandma, I look at the window and I see a butterfly and I started crying with joy. I’ve never seen a butterfly by my house until now.

From Celeste Marquez

I remember the first time I ever came to Tianna’s house and her grandma offered me oreos and even though I said no she forced me to eat them. 

From Savana San Juan

My memorable moments of mama were the time we went to SF airport to pick her up and I greeted her with “Mano po” and also all the days we went to visit her after school in the hospital and nursing home because she would only eat for me. Rest easy Mama! 

From Jeralyn Durias

My memorable of moment with Nanay was when Jazz and I were getting chased outside by Robert with a bat. He was hitting her flowers and she came out yelling, got so mad at him and said “ayyy yayyyy yayyy, stop it, my plants, my plants!” Now you know you can’t mess with a Filipino lady’s flowers. Xoxo 

From Joey Baker

I will always remember of how wonderful a grandmother you were from your hardwork and loving heart. 

From me, Gina Love

My funny memory of Mom: I was wondering why my orchids’ pot was always wet, found out that Mom was always watering it….the orchids were fake. Oh Mom, I love you so and I’m already missing you!

From Sheila Maloney

I knew Estelita for just a short time, I could already connect, as her heart was so genuine. I will cherish those memories I shared with Estelita, only to resume our relationship when I return to heaven.

Love, Sheila Maloney – her step daughter in law 

From Joyce Gomez

To my dearest Mama,

That look you always have on your face, the way you get mad and make a tiny little fist and pretend to “tadjack” me, your voice, that Dacuma personality we share, your tender love, & that face that resembles my mom so much, are the things I will miss the most. Just the thought of never hearing you call my name and say "Joooyce stop eating!!" It's unbearable. I remember when I would be so excited to go to Stockton because I knew you had those gold dollar coins for me. I collected them throughout the years growing up visiting you guys up there... I'm happy that I have so many memories with you like the time we went to Yosemite with Manang Gina and went down the river or even camp Pipi with no restrooms! & also I thank God for the time Tianna & i spent in the Philippines with you.. Every morning seeing you drinking your coffee and of course those damn cigarettes always on hand. You fed T and I so much everyday! Spoiled us to death & wanted to give us everything and keep us happy.. All those memories of you I keep even closer to my heart now. Mama, if there's one thing I know, it's that you were loved by many.
 
I’m sad that you’re gone but even happier that you aren't suffering anymore. God needed an angel is what I tell myself. Though everyone's heart aches, smile for her because you know that's what she would want from all of us. Matter of fact, she would always tell Tianna and I that if she ever passed away she was going to haunt us all the time. Fingers crossed that you do, hehe. If I miss that snippy cranky attitude of yours, I can just piss my mom off and it'll remind me of you! Haha, we both know my mom is crazy. 

Anyways Mama, I'm not sure if somehow or somewhere you can hear this while they read it out but I’m glad I've told you many times that I loved you so so much! I'll love and miss you EVERYDAY of forever. Rest easy Mama, I'll definitely see you up there one day, just wait patiently for me until we meet again. 

Love,
Your favorite annoying niece, Joyce.

From Jazmyn Love

No words can ever explain the relationship I shared with my mama. She was there during all my existence, 21 beautiful, cherished years of life. She is one of the strongest people I know, not to mention very feisty, believe me, you didn’t want to get on her bad side. She always did more than she had to, she literally did laundry every single day, I never had dirty clothes. She always cooked, washed the dishes and cleaned the house. The only breaks I seen her take was when she was asleep or when All My Children, The Price is Right, Oprah, or Maury was on, other than that she was always on the go. One time she even used a pair of scissors to cut the grass in the backyard because she didn’t know how to use the lawn mower. She always did beyond what was expected of any human being, she worked hard, and always got the job done, I’ve always seen her as superwoman. She was also honest and so real. She never held back what she had to say and made it known to the entire world. The kind of things she talked about were things that would make you think long and hard; things that I wouldn’t even think about on my own. She was extremely smart, even when it came to American things. A lot of things I thought she would have no idea about because she came from the Philippines but she probably knew better than I did to be honest. I can only wish one day I can be as perfect as her and hope to make her proud. And I know time probably won’t heal the pain I feel from missing her, but my love for her is everlasting and I know I’ll see her again one day in a far better place than the one we live in right now. The last thing she told me was that she has loved me from the beginning. Luckily our love for each other never has an ending. 

From Tianna Love

Words can’t explain how much I love my grandma. She took care of me since I was born. Spoon feeding me coffee when I was just 6 months old and not even walking yet. I could always count on her when I needed her. I don’t know what I would have done without her in my life. She’s one of the most caring people I know and she’s always giving people what they need to help them out even if that means she’s losing something. We asked her where she’s going to go when she passed and without a doubt she said Heaven. We asked her why and she said “Because I’m a good person”.
I’m so happy I got to spend that month with her in the Philippines last year. If I would’ve known that she was sick, I would’ve spent every second of my time there with her. It’s so surreal that she’s gone, it still hasn’t hit me yet. She wasn’t strong enough to see me graduate, but I know she was proud of me. I wish she would’ve been here to see me get married and babysit my kids for me and spoil them, but I know she’ll be here mentally, always watching over me.
Remembering all the good times we had together still makes me smile and always will make me smile. From the times she would bribe me to water her plants or wake me up at 6 o’clock in the morning asking me what I wanted to eat. I remember when I was like 5 or 6 years old, every morning she would wake me up for school and I would hop on her back and she’d bring me downstairs so I could eat breakfast. And those times when I would ask her to teach me to speak Filipino but the only thing I could say was water. And the times when you would draw on your eyebrows but you would do them crooked so I had to help you. 
I probably never told you enough, but I do love you and I always will. Please watch over me and our family, which I know you will. You’re in a better place and you’re not suffering anymore, and I couldn’t ask for anything better. Seeing you suffer was heartbreaking I didn’t want you going through that. I already miss you so much and I love you mama.

Love always,
Your granddaughter, Tianna

From Paula Leigh

She was a very special person. I thank God that I had the pleasure to meet her. May she rest in peace. God Bless.

Corinna Cathcart

Just that short time I meet her I could tell she was precious, she was in bed sick and would worry for us about food or if we need anything !!! She's in GOD’s care now and will not suffer pain any more believe that and lean on GOD in your time of need.

From Jim Maloney

One day at work Lita asked for a sip of my coffee told me it was terrible but from that moment on a beautiful lasting bond was made between us. I love you and miss you. The world has lost a most precious and loving lady. 

From Michelle Dacuma Rilles

Grandma or apong Esteling that's what we call her. She's a great grandma, a thoughful auntie and a caring and loving mom and wife. I remember when I was a little kid, I used to go to her house and play with my cousins and tita/auntie but with the same age as mine. Everythjng looked different before as compare to today. Her house was made of wood with a big window. Inang will always bring me with her whenever apong arrived from the states. She gave us chocolates. I remember apong as a very beautiful woman, inside and out. A strong, humble, caring and loving person . I am happy that even before she left us I had a chance to be with her and see her smile. Even for the last time she cracked jokes, never showed people around her that she was in pain. Apong, you will always and forever in our hearts, your happy face will remain forever. We miss u and we love u!

Rest in peace grandma, you're no longer in pain and you're with God. We miss u and and we love you. Give my hugs and kisses to tatang and lolo amado. Until we meet again. 

From Jonathan Duque

She has the biggest heart !! 
An Extra ordinary woman !! 

From Gemma Dacuma Lacambacal

You will be in our hearts auntie we love you and you’re in gods hands now and reunited with my dad and everyone in heaven, hugs to my dad for me auntie!!!!

From Joan Dacuma Flores

This year is not a good year for the Dacuma family. First it was my dad then uncle Amado and now auntie Esteling. Auntie you are now in the hands of God with no pain but with glory. Rest in peace.

You are the best!!! We will miss you and I love you so much. Give my hugs and kisses to my dad. 

From AnnaMae Dacuma

You will be missed aunt Esteling, your memories will always stay in my heart! 

The only thing that I won't forget is she always cried when she saw me and told me wonderful things to make me feel better about my life. She was my closest Auntie, she truly cared for me. She was not fake, I learned to be real from her. Everyone listened to her when she spoke. Now I can’t help but cry.

From Robert Lininger

I remember when Grandma used to feed me ice cream for breakfast because I asked for it. Everyone should have a grandma like her. I am going to miss her. 

From Marinella Saldana Duque

My aunt Esteling is my second mom, she taught me a lot of things like being clean at home, how to cook rice and inabraw and many others. I spent my childhood days with her together with my ading and other cousins. She was really helpful with a good heart. The most valuable gift that she gave me was my education 'coz she helped me finished college, as a result, I graduated and found a decent job. She was selfless not only to us her nieces and nephews, she was also helpful to all her siblings and other people too. I am not exaggerating if I say that most of the people in our barrio borrowed money from her. This will only show that she had a good heart.  I also remember whenever my aunt had chocolates from the States, she kept them in the clothes cabinet (no fridge yet) then she would gather all of us and distributed them equally. She taught me how to sweep the yard properly, eat veggies, watch english tv series (Mcgyver, Blue Thunder, The A Team etc.). Auntie, you are my inspiration besides my own family. I love you and I will always treasure the memories that we have shared.  

From Steven Maloney

My biggest memory is how much she loved my dad. She was with him through a very difficult time. She made him feel alive again. She brought him out of his deep depression. She gave him a reason to live again. She was always there for him. Another great memory I have of your mom is how if she knew I was coming, she would always make chicken adobe for me cause she knew I loved it. It was always so delicious.

From Edna Dacuma

For me she was a sister who does not say no, whenever I asked for something she always found a way to provide it, whether it was material or financial. I have disappointed her several times but sisters remain sisters, we forgive, forget, and move on as our love is greater than petty quarrels. To sum it all up, I thank the Lord for her life, she has fought a good fight and I will always treasure her. I love my sister.

From Kenny Lininger

There are many memories I have of mom, but the one that sticks out the most is when I first moved in, I was on a 16 foot ladder & she tells me it sure is great to have a man around the house. Every day when I was ready to go to work she would ask me “are u hungry” & even if I said no she would still make me breakfast, I never left the house hungry. 

This was written by Jim Maloney, Mom's husband;

Letter for my beloved wife

Estelita, the time we have been together and shared are the happiest I have had in a long time. You are a part of me now and forever. You’re my friend, my lover, my companion, my beautiful wife. You have brought so much joy and love into my life. You will be missed each and every day. Look down upon me guide me, protect me and all the ones you love. Rest in peace my love and fly with the angels.

Your loving husband,
Jim 

This was written by one of Mom's best friends, Remy Young.

My name is Remy Young,  me and Manang Estelita have been friends since 1991.  It ‘s about 22 years.   I met her when she was working at the Capitol Flea Market.  I was a full time Vendor on Thursday through Sunday.  We always explore together, shared each other our problems and laugh at silly things we have done.  The first Camping was at Madonna.  She loves to drink beer.  Here’s one funny thing she did, she was outside the tent and happily enjoying the beer.  Suddenly the Park Ranger came in checking campers who brought beer.  She  dove straight inside the tent not even thinking if she would be able to make it.  Thank God she made it safe, no bruises, but she was still holding the can of beer.  We had a blast when the Ranger left.  

We always had a laugh at young guys that tried to propose to her.  They were young enough to be her sons.  I remember one kid younger than Bobby, he almost went crazy when Estelita rejected his proposal.  He didn’t show up to work for 3 days after he got rejected.  Later we heard he was drunk for 3 consecutive days. I was amazed how strong her  appeal was.  When it came to partying, if Manang wasn’t going I didn’t go too.  We were like twins.  That’s why if my three sons could not find me, all they did was call at Gina’s house and Bingo, I was there. 

We always played Karaoke on weekends after work.  Her favorite song was Unchained Melody.

Manang Estelita  was very generous, caring, and loving friend.  She was not only my friend, she was my sister.

I wasn’t happy when Gina decided to move to Stockton, I knew for sure my girlfriend would be far from me.  I had to travel a long distance to be with her.   I was happy when Manang told me that she would continue to work in San Jose and would stay with me from Thursday-Sunday. So I didn’t really miss her a lot.

She started to learn how to ride a bus from Stockton to San Jose.  I always waited for her at the bus stop and take her to my house.  After so many months, she starts talking to me about this guy named Jim.  It’s all good things, I try to discourage her.  Told her “You don’t really know him, he’s only showing off cause it’s a fantasy time”.  But she didn’t buy my discouragement sales talk.  I told myself, my friend is really falling in-love.  When she told me that Jim works at the bus station, I told her “is it because he is giving you a free ticket”.  She answered me right away “No no no”.  One day Manang Estelita was so happy telling me that Jim surprised her, Jim visited her at home.  When I finally met Jim personally, I had nothing negative to say anymore about him.

There’s another thing I won’t forget.  I don’t remember what year it was when I went to the  Philippines, I went to Tarlac (her town).  She asked her Nephew to help me ride at the back of the Carabao.  It was a very remarkable experience I had.

Year 2007,  Manang Estelita and Jim celebrated X’mas at my house in Milpitas CA.  I didn’t think that it will be the last get together we will have. 

2008 December I moved to Hawaii for good.  We had been calling each other since then.  She always wanted to come and visit me but never happen due to unexpected  circumstances.  

2009 I went to CA to take care of my Sister and I didn’t have a chance to see her. 

 “ Manang I will always remember you and the good memories we had.”

I can say our friendship is EVERLASTING.  You’re the only friend I had that lasted this long…. 22 yrs.  May you rest in peace and be in glory with our dear Lord…”

Mom's oldest brother just lovingly watching his little sister. He passed away a few weeks after this picture was taken. Now, they are together again. Mom took care of him, fed him and loved him very much. Rest in peace Uncle Amado, have fun up there with Mom, Uncle Rogelio and Apong Lacay and Apong Maria. 

Mom named her dog Jenny, after Jennifer Lopez, why? I don't know. This dog was so devoted to Mom. This picture was taken when Mom came home from the hospital. Jenny just lovingly looked at Mom while she was petting her.

"Joel, please take care of Jenny." 

This picture was taken a couple of weeks before Mom passed away. I was with her every single day until God took her home.

Mom was an avid gardener. This is the last time we took her camping. As usual she woke up early and started sweeping the campground. We just started laughing and told her "Ma, you don't have to sweep the ground". Well, we used up the stuff she swept up for our campfire. Oh Mom, I am already missing you.

A beautiful garden now stands alone,
missing the one who nurtured it
but now she is gone.
Her flowers still bloom, and the sun, it still shines.
But the rain is like tear drops, for the ones left behind.
The weeds lay waiting to take the garden’s beauty away,
but the beautiful memories of its keeper are in our hearts to stay.
She loved every flower even some that were weeds,
so much love she would plant with each little seed.
But just like her flowers she was part of God’s plan.
So when it was her time he reached down his hand,
He looked through the Garden searching for the best,
that's when he found Mom, it was her time to rest.
It was hard for those who loved her, to just let her go,
but God had a spot in his garden, that needed a gentle soul.
So when you start missing Mom, remember if you just wait,
when God has a spot in his garden, she'll meet you at the gate.