Maria Clara “Caying” C. Tolentino was born to Rafael D. Tolentino, Sr., and Rosa C. Tolentino on January 7, 1943. She was the 3rd eldest of six siblings: Rosita, Erlinda, Rafael, Teresita, and Cristina Aurora.
Maria passed away the night of March 27, 2024, at the Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune, New Jersey. She passed away after an unfortunate fall in her senior apartment.
Maria was a schoolteacher in Panampunan, Tarlac City, Philippines. She loved to teach elementary school children from grades 1 to 6 in Tarlac City. She deeply cared for the well-being of young children, so she always campaigned for further improvement of classrooms, reading materials, school facilities, and brought these requests to the attention of the School’s Division.
Upon migrating to the United States, Maria Clara started working at AT&T in Bedminster, New Jersey. She was very proud of her work in administration, that she always invited her relatives to visit her offices to showcase the company products, initiatives, and promotions to cellular phone capabilities. She also introduced all her visiting relatives to the AT&T rank and file. Most of all, she was so proud of the AT&T Pebble Beach Golf Tournament that she never fails to mention the event to her relatives that like to play golf and to California relations.
Sewing was her passion despite her impaired eyesight. She also loves listening to classical music, reading, and singing karaoke. “Auntie Caying” to many of us, loves to prove her point and endlessly argue her position, but it was because she was always concerned for everyone's wellbeing.
Whether it was for her brother, Rafael, or sisters, Rosita, Erlinda, Teresita, Christina…Auntie Caying always thinks of others first before herself. She always helps her friends at the Senior Community Housing she lived in. She set aside extra groceries for her neighbors and community members that did not have access or missed out on scheduled events. She always helps in every small way she can. As a case in point, she often sends birthday or Christmas cards to relatives. Her nephew, Abel, recently pointed out “Bottom Line: She always had good intentions and always wanted what she felt was best. And just wanted to be there for all of us. I miss that.” WE ALL MISS THAT!
Maria had a big family. She has five nephews/nieces from her sister Rosita and her husband Ben Razon, and three grandchildren. She has three nephews/nieces from her sister Erlinda and husband Dar Bernardino ,and five grandchildren, plus two great grandchildren. She has five nieces with her brother Rafael, Jr. and his wife Maristela, and one grandchild. Lastly, she has three nephews from her sister Teresita and husband Javier Hipolito, and five grandchildren.
Visitation will be Wednesday, April 3, 2024 from 4-7pm at Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home, 115 Lacey Rd. Whiting, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, April 4, 2024 at 10:45am at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church- All Saints Chapel, 30 Schoolhouse Rd. Whiting, NJ.
To post a tribute, please visit www.andersoncampbellwhiting.com.
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