Elena Caparra Magao

Elena Caparra Magao was born on August 29, 1925 in Malamsit, Nagbukel, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. She was the youngest of 2 children born to Fernando Caparra and Isabel Fermin. During her time in the Philippines, Elena married Esteban Cantorna Magao on December 28, 1942 and was happily married until his timely passing in 2005. Together, they raised 9 children, before migrating to the United States in October 1966. Soon after, they had their tenth and final American-made child. Elena worked at Poppy Food Company processing poultry for many years, ultimately retiring in 1986, after which she continued to care for her growing family. As a former Catholic student, she instilled strong faith values in her many familial generations.

In her later years, she enjoyed spending her time playing card games daily with family and friends within her neighborhood. However, her greatest joy came from spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, particularly during the holiday seasons.

Elena was blessed to have lived a long, beautiful life–being two weeks shy of her 99th birthday. She passed away in the early morning hours of August 17, 2024 at the age of 98. She was preceded in death by her husband Esteban, and her son Juan. Elena is survived by her nine children–Irene (Robert), Amor, Terry, Prima (Keith), Frankie (Delia), Tessie (Castor), Donnie (Nancy), George (Emmie), and Vicky–, 13 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren.

Viewing and rosary services will be held on Friday, August 30, 2024, from 1:00 PM-4:30 PM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Cutler, California. Funeral services will supersede on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at 8:00 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Cutler with burial services to follow at Smith Mountain Cemetery.