Celia Simbulan Aguirre
May 4, 1953 – September 8, 2015
Celia Simbulan Aguirre was born on May 4, 1953 in the Philippines. She is the 3rd child of the Late Dr. Maximo V. Simbulan Sr. and the Late Mrs. Remedios Sabado Simbulan. She has four siblings, three sisters and a brother – Adel, Bel, Junior, and Bubut whom she had special and close relationships with.
During her childhood, she was the most obedient of the bunch. This resonated through her entire life. She was disciplined and never answered back to her parents. Celia was very keen on saying OPO even towards her siblings, further redefining the meaning of respect. As a sibling, Celia’s love transcends to each one unconditionally as her hands are always open to help and her heart always ready to listen. One of the things that her Mama taught her was to never give up and that family comes first. Her Papa is a loving father. When she was young, as long as he’s at home, he ensured that he was the sole caretaker of his children, from baths to supper time. He would sing to them to lull them to sleep. Even when working a distance away, he would send telegram greetings to Celia especially on her birthdays.
Moreover, she loved the power of knowledge, forever learning something new every day. She studied in the Philippines, finishing both Elementary and Secondary Education with honors. She graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Education and further receiving a Master’s Degree. After completing her education, she was offered a job as a high school teacher in Pampanga Colleges for several years. At the same time she was working part time at the Philippines Telephone Company, a place where her relationship with her beau would blossom.
Celia and the love of her life, Santiago P. Aguirre courted in the spring of 1978. They were inseparable and consistently wanted to see each other every minute of every day. Celia and Santiago did everything together; they went to local town events, ventured to Manila, and even frequently attended mass together. Their love is what one would describe as everlasting, timeless, and fruitful.
On May 4, 1980, Celia and Santiago got married. Little did they know that the little town of Macabebe, where they both grew up, would speak of how majestic their wedding was for days to come. In 1981, they were both greeted by their first born Sancel. Although a challenge as she was their first born, their lives were filled with joy and happiness.
A few years later, Celia made the big move to the United States to follow her husband. Celia enjoyed working and immediately found herself at the job force. She worked at Home Savings & Loans for a few years. Then she found an opportunity to work in the Government for the State Board of Equalization where she remained twenty plus years, where she would eventually retire with her revered role as a Tax Compliance Specialist.
When 1984 came along, Celia was greeted by her only son Sonny (JR). In 1986, the family was complete with the addition of baby Suzaine. Celia lived by the motto: a family that eats together, stays together. She took that to the next level of a “family that does everything together, stays together.’’ The family of five regularly traveled venturing to the East Coast, Canada, Hawaii, Europe, Asia, and of course Las Vegas. Celia loved parties, especially hosting them, so with every child’s birthday comes an extravagant party. Celia was an extraordinary mother, always making sure that everyone was never hungry, completing homework, and respecting everyone. Sure enough, all three of her children attained college degrees, learned how to cook her favorite dishes, and learned how to love, just like her.
Because of her bright spirit and unforgettable (and contagious) laughter, she rose to become a mother figure for many friends and family. Celia was an extended mother to Zeny Pangilinan. After Zeny married Randy and their family introduced Ranzen and Rowell, she embraced herself as their Lola. Furthermore, her nephews and nieces have gone to the extent of nicknaming her ‘Mommy Cel’. Her wise demeanor made her the best person to seek for advice no matter what the situation. She had an answer for everything.
In the 2010’s, Celia’s family doubled in size (bigger van). Her children Sancel, JR, and Suzaine tied the knot with Darron Tanioka, Ceazar Nave, and Lhennards Acuna respectively. Celia couldn’t be happier to see her own children find their own soul mates and moving closer to their happily ever afters.
September 26, 2013 marked the day when Celia accomplished yet another goal from her life checklist… becoming a grandmother (Lola). When her grandson Landon was born, Celia and Landon were practically conjoined. As tradition, Landon gained his own theme song, showered with gifts, and loved unconditionally.
Every time Celia walked into a room, she lit up the room. Her beauty radiant; her charm undeniable; her intelligence uncomparable; her grace perpetual. One of Celia’s favorite things to do is dance. She danced with her husband on her wedding day, with her children during every road trip, with her grandson every chance she can get, and at the moments before she parted from this world. Today, Celia is continuing her dance and shimmying her way up. Her memory is carried on by her beloved Santiago and her children Sancel, JR, and Suzaine, alongside her grandson Landon. She’s dancing with the angels now; a brilliant light, forever happy, forever in peace.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18