Rosalina Catungal Garcia

On August 9, 1915, Rosalina was born to Rosario Catungal & Dalmacia Ferreria in San Fabian, Pangasinan in the Philippines. She was the 7th child in a family of 6 girls and 2 boys. Rosalina was the last surviving sibling. “Charing,” as family and friends called her, loved to participate in beauty pageants and was crowned Her Majesty Queen of Miss P.S.A in 1932.

She was a teacher when she met the love of her life, Mario Garcia, a civil engineer. They were married on January 2, 1938. As a dedicated wife and mother of seven children, Rosalina contributed her love of crocheting, sewing and cooking to the charities she was involved in. Rosalina worked for the Ladies Group at the Malacañang Palace, where she volunteered in the community-building programs created by the First Lady of the Philippines.

In 1960, Rosalina continued her charity work when they moved to Ghana in West Africa where Mario was commissioned to work on developing the country’s road infrastructure. She helped create women’s support groups that taught the locals with ways they can improve their skills in the arts, crafts and in the culinary science.

Rosalina was very active and enjoyed the activities affiliated with the women’s group, such as dancing, singing and playing mahjong. She was not only a community leader but was also a collaborator in organizing charitable events with the nuns and priests at her Catholic parish.

Rosalina had a flare for fashion and was a world traveler. With Mario, they visited many countries around the world. She was once quoted, “I lived a long life because I drank different kinds of water and stepped on different soils.”

After Mario’s retirement in 1981, Rosalina and Mario settled in San Diego, California to reunite with their children and devote themselves to their growing grandchildren. She and Mario became actively involved with the Filipino-American Senior Citizens Organization who honored her with the Mother of the Year award in 1997. Before his passing in 2000, Rosalina celebrated 62 years of anniversaries with Mario.

Rosalina continued to stay active with the Hope Center, enjoying many social activities, surrounding herself with many of her cherished friends and thriving in her independence. Over the years, Rosalina became a grandmother to 17 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Rosalina was a devout Catholic who found strength and comfort in her faith, praying the Rosary daily. She is survived by her children Consolacion, Eduardo, Imelda, Arturo and Minda; her grandchildren Christopher, Maria, Roderick, Dennis, Diana, Allen, George, Jennifer, Eduardo Jr., Sheila, Rheina, Jefferson, Geraldine, Geoff, Ramiro, Cesar and Noemi; her great-grandchildren Jonathan, Gabriel, Analise, Elisa, David, Cristina, Matthew, Isabella, Amelia, Kaitlyn, Stella, Kerrigan, Sophia, Evan Jr., Andrew, Naia, Lis and Eliot; and great-great-grandchildren Kennedy and Maya.

Rosalina is now reunited with her husband Mario and her children George Catungal and Rolando. Rosalina lived a very fulfilling life and her spirit lives on with the countless memories she will be remembered for. She will truly be missed.

The visitation for Rosalina will be on Thursday, May 18, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 7:30 PM at El Camino Memorial - Sorrento Valley, 5600 Carroll Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA 92121.

The funeral service will be on Friday, May 19, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 8200 Gold Coast Drive, San Diego, CA 92126.

The graveside service will be on Friday, May 19, 2023 from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM, at El Camino Memorial - Sorrento Valley, 5600 Carroll Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA 92121.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sorrentovalleychapel.com for the Garcia family.