Age 85, entered into eternal rest peacefully on June 16, 2011 with her loving family members keeping vigil during the last few days of her life. She was born in Floridablanca, Pampanga, Philippines, on March 02, 1926 to Leopoldo and Rosa Sarmiento. She immigrated to the United States and relocated to the Bay Area in 1986 where she joined her daughters Priscilla and Carolina. Although she led a life filled with challenges and hardships, she faced them with courage, immense energy and perseverance. Cheerful, kind, highly independent and hardworking, she pursued various gainful employment to help her children any way she could, never complaining and always giving. She made friends easily with her warm smile, genuine heart and gentle personality. The eldest among her siblings, she was regarded the pillar who steadfastly kept the family united, always lending an ear towards peace and harmony, sharing with them her wisdom when appropriate but never being judgmental. Likewise, she was an spiritual person, who attended Sunday meetings faithfully and was dearly loved and admired by many for her faith and dedication. Towards the end, when overcoming her illness was not in the horizon, she surrendered her wishes with full faith and faced the inevitable with courage and grace. She is preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Gualberto Antonio, with whom she had six children. She leaves behind their children Teresita Dequina, Priscilla A. Akin, Aurora S. Llanda with her husband Diony, Carolina S. Strand with her husband Ed, Ester S. Antonio and Armando S. Antonio with his wife, Mernie. She was adored by her grandchildren Alvin, Bamba, Charlie, Debbie, Hazel, Herbie, Derrick, Desiree Joy, C.J., Alex, Hanah, Alexis Mae and Allison Joy. She also left behind her brother, Simeon, her twin sisters Angelina and Milagros, sisters Rebecca and Virginia, as well as, many dear nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held Tuesday June 21. 2011 from 1:30-7:00 PM and Wednesday, June 22, 2011 from 9:00-10:00 AM at the Lima Family Mortuary 48800 Warm Springs Blvd, Fremont, CA 94539.
Friends and family are also invited to attend a celebration of her life on Tuesday, June 21, 2011 starting at 7:00 PM with a memorial service to be officiated by Bill Brown and Harold Smith. Internment will be held the next day, Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at 10:00 AM.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18