If there was ever a person who wanted to heal all the wrongs in the world, it was Geronima Sotelo Abalos. She was an idealist who sought to bring harmony to those around her. Even though Geronima was enthusiastic and generous, it was sometimes difficult for her to boast about her accomplishments. Geronima had strong personal convictions, making it hard for her to relinquish those ideals she held dearest to herself. Despite her outer strengths and beliefs, Geronima sometimes struggled in her efforts to see the world as completely positive. Geronima's life motto was always to hope for the best and work hard towards that end, but be prepared for some of life's disappointments. This philosophy was a continual driving force in her life, but it did not extinguish the bright light that defined the dreamer in Geronima, something that was always there and that she readily shared with everyone around her.
Geronima was born on May 11, 1925 in Dalit, Pilar, Abra, Philippines. Her parents were Juan Sotelo and Francisca Palma. Geronima was raised in Philippines. As a youngster, Geronima demonstrated an excellent vocabulary and command of language. She was a compassionate person, a quality that she would carry with her throughout her life. Even at a young age, Geronima was sensitive to her parents’ moods and worked hard to please them and live up to their expectations.
Throughout her life, Geronima showed a remarkable ability to mend relationships. This was true even with her siblings. Geronima was caring, diplomatic and tolerant of the feelings of those around her. Geronima was raised with nine siblings (all deceased). She had nine brother and sisters named, Ayong, Atang, Tonya, Kelvin, David, Virgilio, Fernando, Iking and Marcelina. Geronima was constantly involved in activities with her brothers and sisters. Geronima and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.
As a young girl, Geronima lived a childhood filled with fantasy. She was generally in pursuit of her own identity, but she was also adaptable to almost any situation she faced. Geronima took part in softball. She loved to participate in folk dancing and singing. In her spare time she loved to sing. However, to Geronima, the most fun to be had was simply playing, and spending time with her many friends.
The desire for romance was always present in Geronima's life. She succeeded in finding it in 1948, when Geronima exchanged wedding vows with Federico DeFiesta Abalos in Pilar, Abra, Philippines. Geronima cared passionately for Federico. Her deep loyalty and a strong commitment to her vows brought a sense of completeness to their marriage.
Geronima was a gentle person who held deep feelings for her children. She enjoyed having fun with her kids and was at times fiercely protective of them. Geronima showed great empathy in her willingness to give every family member a voice in family decisions. She had ten children named, Teresita (deceased), Erlinda, Avelina, Rosalio, Leticia, Fidencio (deceased), Salvacion, Benjamin, Lorezina, and Clodelia. Geronima was blessed with fifteen grandchildren, Shakey, Frederick, Floridel, Richard, Gani, Danilo, Marvyn, Sarah Gail, Jan Ray, Janai, Janica, Janz, Jerico, Janzen, and John Matthew. She was also blessed with six great grandchildren named, Rusty, Jazzle June, Janine Rose, Ralph Vincent, Daniel, and Bela Blanca.
Blessed with a strong sense of integrity, Geronima was as loyal and committed in her work as she was in the rest of her life. Geronima worked well with fellow employees and showed great cooperation in reaching common goals. Though she had a tendency to take on too many tasks, herself; Geronima showed great patience with complicated situations. She was ingenious and trusted her intuition. For Geronima, the application of logic could be optional, and while that sometimes bothered her co-workers, Geronima always seemed to be able to get the job done. She was most comfortable working on the projects and jobs that she strongly supported. Her primary occupation was as a housekeeper. Geronima always tried to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.
Geronima enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were dancing and singing. Geronima was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but she was also willing to share her interests with others.
Geronima took all of her personal and moral obligations seriously. Geronima was a strong defender of her faith. She was a member of the Roman Catholic faith and went to church every Sunday.
Geronima enjoyed traveling and going away on vacations. Taking trips provided the chance for her to kick back and relax, to visit new places and see new things. Favorite vacations included Hawaii.
Geronima passed away on April 3, 2014 at Regional Medical Center in San Jose, California due to cardiac arrest and arrhythmia. She is survived by by her children Erlinda, Avelina, Rosalio, Leticia, Salvacion, Benjamin, Lorezina, and Clodelia; her grandchildren Shakey, Floridel, Frederick, Richard, Gani, Danilo, Marvyn, Sarah Gail, Jan Rey, Janai, Janica, Janz, Jerico, Janzen, and John Matthew; and her great grandchildren Rusty, Jazzle June, Janine Rose, Ralph Vincent, Daniel, and Bela Blanca. Geronima was laid to rest in Oak Hill Memorial Park in San Jose, California.
Geronima Sotelo Abalos was someone who was able to see the world as a good and honorable place. She viewed the people who inhabited it as essentially good. A person who tended to see the world in terms of black and white, Geronima tried to focus on the good she saw, knowing that there were times she would have to compromise. She was selfless and deeply committed to all things positive and good. Geronima was a person who would keep her eye on tomorrow and constantly held onto her dreams. She was capable of being mystical at times, and she could be the seer or shaman of a group. It was this exceptional insight and quiet reserve that that became Geronima's trademark qualities for all who knew her, and it was one of the many reasons why all who knew her loved Geronima Sotelo Abalos.
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