Mercedes Climacosa Bernal was born on February 5, 1946 in Maragondon, Cavite, Philippines to parents Leandro Bautista Climacosa and Iluminada Arandia Climacosa. She was the 2nd oldest of 9 siblings and grew up in Palico, Nasugbu, Batangas. Those closest to her knew her as “Mercy.”
Mercedes married Robert Aligui Bernal on January 11, 1975 in Reno, Nevada and settled in San Ysidro, California in 1979. Together they raised 7 children: Annaliza, Donn, AnnaLyn, Meldy, Robert “Bobby”, and twins: Mercedita and Ricky.
Mercedes graduated from Hillcrest College and received a Licensed Vocational degree in Nursing. She worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Hillcrest Medical Center at UCSD Health and Kaiser Permanente Zion Medical Center. She also moonlighted as a home health caregiver for multiple clients. Mercedes was a board member for the Board of Directors of San Ysidro Health for 27 years where she took pride in helping build a stronger and healthier community.
Mercedes enjoyed being the center of attention by making people laugh with her unique dancing skills, her hilarious but slightly inappropriate jokes, and trying to be “hip” with the nieces/nephews. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, traveling across the world, cooking Filipino food/desserts, gambling and winning in the casinos, gardening, and of course shopping for sales.
Mercedes is survived by her husband, Robert Aligui Bernal, her children Annaliza Javier (married to Roberto “Austin” Javier), Donn Sinsay, AnnaLyn Ogata (married to Jay Ogata), Meldy Pak (married to David Pak), Robert “Bobby” Bernal (married to Brian Bernal), Mercedita Jose (married to Gerald Jose), Ricky Bernal (married to Naomi Bernal), 19 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and many fur babies.
In Loving Memory of Mercedes Bernal
With heavy hearts, we share the passing of our beloved mother, Mercedes Bernal. For 27 years, she proudly served on the board of San Ysidro Health, deeply committed to ensuring healthcare for all, regardless of ability to pay.
In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask that donations be made in her honor to San Ysidro Health, a cause close to her heart.
Her legacy of compassion and service will live on through all who support this mission.
https://www.syhealth.org/donate
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