There are so many beautiful, fond memories of my sister in law... For the sake of a smile, one stands out. The year was 1988, I was preparing all the festivities for my little girl, Jessica's 5th birthday party.  Naturally, company began to show up. Leoni was always early because she wanted to help out. She then asked "where is your husband?" I explained to her that he had flown out to Manzanillo for a fishing tournament and because of it, he wasn't going to make it for the birthday party. (You would think I told her he was leaving me for a man) WHAT!? She responded. WHAT DO YOU MEAN HE'S NOT GOING TO BE HERE FOR HIS LITTLE GIRLS BIRTHDAY PARTY?! She continued, you know what you should do. Break the windshield on his 1966 Mercedes (his pride and joy). I giggled, and entertained the idea, only to realize she was being 100% serious. I had to take a step back. No Leoni, I can't- would never do that, I said.  Without a moments hesitation and a face like stone, she responded; Then give me a brick, I'll do it. No Leoni, it's ok! Thank you, I said. Insistant she would do it and tell her brother she did it was our conversation for the next 45 minutes. The party continued and shortly after to our surprise my husband showed up. We we all able to laugh about it... then.

It's memories like this, laughs like this and moments like this that make my world sadder, because my Leoni is no longer with us.
We will miss you and love you forever. We will all be together again one day.

I first met John and Leonor when I was around 13 or 14 years old. They came to live with us temporarily until they had found an apartment in the San Jose area. Leonor cooked many delicious mexican meals for us,like tacos, tostados,frijoles and this beef and corn soup that was sooooo good. Leonor also taught us spanish, when she was mad at us kids or me, she said " pinche cabron get over here " or  she would say " you puerco " or " hey GORDO !!!!! " . So many times you might hear " donde estan mis pinche llaves " . What spanish I learned it was from her, thanks Leonor. Gracias....Leonor also worked very hard at Intel, at Silicone Valley and Kmart,  (before there was Costco and Target ) We used to go and pick her up at night times if she would get off work late. She was not afraid to work for her family needs. Leonor, I cant say enough about all the sleep overs, the delicious meals, meeting all your wonderful family in Hollywood ( Loza Family ) especially your mother!!!!! Thank you so much for having the gift of caring and loving.  We will truly miss someone special...    Love Harvey Edrosolan and family

From Arlene Edrosolan: Leonor, thank you so much for being my private chauffeur and bringing me to bingo night all of those years you lived in San Jose. You would drive all the way across town to pick me up and we had fun winning and loosing our bingo games. We even had like 6 bingo cards at a time.You were always loving and caring to me. I will miss you so much.


Arlene Edrosolan 

I wrote earlier story while here in Kaiser for Camille's ACL surgery so I had to cut it short as she was called in.  I want to include that Tia also talked about her granddaughter who she also loved very much.  The other thing I want to mention is that it's only now that I realized after seeing Tia's web site that she and my daughter, Michelle, have the same birthday, Oct. 2.  That makes it even more special.

I used to call Tia "Grandma" as she is Jonathan's Grandma.  A friend of ours, Mildred, asked why I called her Grandma.  That's when I realized, yes, that is true as she is too young to be my Grandma.  Then I began to call her "Tia".  We met the family through our son, Mikee, who was Jonathan's classmate since pre-school at Pinecrest.  My husband, Edd, and John would often talk while they dropped off and picked up the boys at school.  Today, the boys are 8th graders at St. Mary School and will be on their way to high school by next school year.  Yes, time passes so quickly.  

My first memory of Tia is when we met up in Cabo.  They were in a Disney Cruise and when they stopped at Cabo, we met at Villa del Palmar where we were staying.  We spent most of the day at brunch then drinks at Mango Deck.  We had a great time.  I remember being in Tia's house twice, once for Jonathan's birthday and the other time for a Pacquiao - de la Joya match (at least I think it was vs. Pacquiao).  She was always generous, fun loving and made us feel right at home.

The last two months very special that I will always treasure.  When St. Mary started Bingo, I went to the very first before they opened to the public.  Much to my delight, Tia was there sitting at the front table.  I naturally sat right next to her.  We were excited that we had this activity to share.  Although I played Bingo as a youngster, this was a different level.  Tia taught me and she watched over my shoulder.  She was so sweet and caring.  From that point on, my Thursday nights became my Bingo night.  Tia would be there before the doors opened.  She was kind to save me a spot right next to her in the first table, center!  We had one of the best spots in the house.  In between games, we would talk about family and life.  During one of those Thursdays, she showed me her bruises from her dialysis treatments.  She alwayes amazed me with her strength and courage. Her spirit and love for life!  She told me how her kidney issues affect her heart.  She asked me, "Do you know the effect this has on my heart?  It has such an effect on my heart that any time I could go!"  She said those with tears in her eyes.  I responded and said, "You'll be fine, Tia."  She talked about her love for her family, her husband, her daugher, and her Junior!  Her grandson, Jonathan, and her daughter-in-law, Celida.  She was very, very proud of all of them.  She even showed me a recent picture of Jonathan and how proud she was for how handsome (he always was handsome) and how he's grown as a young man!  That night, that conversation was special.  I felt what she felt.  The next day, I sent John a text to say how I love his mom!  I told John how she truly loved her family.  I am glad I sent that message when I did.  I missed Bingo the last two Thursdays before Tia was called to heaven.  The first of that Thursday, I stopped by Bingo to let her know I wasn't going to play that night but wanted to give her a copy of a ChristmasNovena.  The following Thursday, I missed Bingo again and did not get a chance to call, text, or see her.  The week that followed, I got a text from Celida to let us know of Tia's stroke!  I was shocked and very saddened.  We will all miss Tia.  I will miss Tia as my Bingo nights will never be the same.  I will always remember her, cherish her, and keep a special place in my heart for her.  I know that she will always be here to watch over us.  Thank you so much Tia, for all the wise words and life lessons you shared.  Our whole family loves you.  As with your whole family, you were always supportive of us especially Mikee.  You were always there to watch Mikee's shows.  Thank you for your love and friendship.  Te amo!!!