Conchita Enrique Sibbaluca

IN LOVING MEMORY AND TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF CONCHITA ENRIQUE SIBBALUCA Born to Pedro and Paulina Enrique on September 16, 1931, in Quinagoran, Cagayan Valley, Philippine Island, she passed away peacefully Monday evening, December 11, 2017, after suffering several months from pancreatic cancer. From diagnosis to her end, Conchita was surrounded and cared for by those who loved her best, her family. Conchita was kind-hearted, determined, and possessed a strong will. Her character was shaped during her childhood and adolescent years under the Japanese Occupation of the Philippines during World War ll. To survive the hardships her and her family endured, she learned the importance of thriftiness and to be frugal, to be brave under pressure, and to not give in to despair and suffering. During her teen years, she was sent to Manila, where she lived in the home of her aunt, Maria Taguba and her family. There, she was taught the skills of homemaking and helped in the care of her younger cousins. Her formal education was limited to that of a 4th grade level; however, she was intuitively smart, perceptive, and her strong Catholic upbringing kept her faith and belief in the goodness of others. Her uncle, Tomas Taguba, introduced her to her future husband, Victor Sibbaluca, and were married on November 27, 1949. Victor was serving in the military and was assigned to Fort Baker, CA in 1956. Together, along with their with their two eldest, traveled on the liner, USNS Barrett, and arrived at Fort Mason mid-September 1957. They were housed in military housing in Marin City where they remained throughout their lives. Over the years, they raised their family of six children, with the youngest passing before her 2nd birthday. A loving and devoted wife to Victor, they had 49 memorable years together until his passing in 1998. The early years were lean, filled with hardships and struggles in providing for a growing family; yet, through it all, they managed to achieve their dreams for their children. Their lifestyle was simple and honest and leading by example, they taught them the Golden Rules, the value of hard work, the importance of family, and would bring humor and laughter into the home as an antidote to better handle life's disappointments; that it was not a cure, but it would make it easier to bear. Conchita was unknowingly funny and the things she has said or done over the years were hilarious and at times, cringe worthy. She either drew acquaintances to her with her sense of humor, or scared them away with her bluntness. There were not too many things she feared. She was genuine. Always independent minded, Conchita preferred to live by herself and did so the rest of her life without Victor. She may have lived alone, but she was never lonely. Her family, friends, and community kept her busy and involved. She was generous of her time and as an advocate for senior rights in her community, she was vocal and honest in her opinions and she gained the admiration and respect from all who came to know her. Conchita had many friends in her community and she thoroughly enjoyed her weekly outings with her senior friends from Marin City. Her devotion to the Star of the Sea Church in Sausalito led her to volunteer work where she often provided company to and assisted in giving communion rites to bedridden parishioners who could not attend Mass. Not one to remain idle, she often kept busy but in her spare time, she enjoyed reading and gardening. Thanks to her aunt's training, Conchita was a wonderful cook and baker; she could whip up a delicious meal or a simple snack on short notice. Her lumpia and wine cake were simply the best and everyone loved them. When you visited her, the initial greeting you would often receive is, "Are you hungry"?, and whether or not you were, you'd never leave her house hungry. She took great pride in her home and always kept it spotless. She was an attentive hostess who made you feel welcomed into her home and all who came to know her always felt at ease and comfortable in her presence. Conchita received many blessings throughout her life, but a long-awaited and momentous one finally became a reality for her, and her family, shortly before she passed. It was her greatest wish that her husband receive all the honors due him for the duty, sacrifice, and suffering he endured as a Filipino Scout during the War and surviving the Bataan Death March. On Saturday, December 2nd, 2017, on behalf of Victor Sibbaluca, she was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to honor the Filipino Veterans of World War 11, signed into law by Former President Barack Obama on December 14, 2016. The event was made more special as the ceremony and awarding of the Medal was presented to her by her cousin, Retired Army Major General Antonio Taguba (who she helped care for as a child) and, her grandson, Army Captain Kristoffer Sibbaluca. - 2 - Conchita led a long, purposeful, happy, and fulfilling life. Her loss is profound and deeply felt; her passing leaves us completely bereft. Those of us who knew and loved her will always be grateful to have been a part of her life; for the guidance, care, and love she easily gave, and the joy and countless memories she leaves us with. She lives on forever in our hearts and mind and will continue to be a part of future generation as there are so many stories to tell about her, about Dad, and the deep love and devotion they had for each other and the family. They are the best example of lives well lived. She loved, cared for, and leaves behind her children: Virginia and Larry Scanlon, Eddie and Maribelle Sibbaluca, Nancy and Alston (Pete) Breaux, Larry and the late Lisa Sibbaluca, and Victor, Jr. and Anne Sibbaluca. Above and beyond everything she loved and enjoyed, her grandchildren were her greatest treasure. They are Michelle, Nicholas, Marcus, Kristoffer, Alexandra and Joey, Alysia and Jason, Kevin, Kayla, Jessie; and her great grandchild, Madison. She was a constant in their lives and to her, they were the culmination of her life's purpose, her blessings and happiness. She was always so proud of them and the young adults they have become. She will also be remembered by her only sibling, Marciana, the countless number of cousins, nephews, and nieces she left behind in the Philippines, and the many friends she made over the years. Mom, thank you for being our foundation. We will miss and love you always. You possessed a beautiful soul; simply put, you were awesome. Mahal na mahal kita. Rest in Peace. Arrangements entrusted to the direction and care of Twin Chapels Mortuary, Vallejo. (707) 552-6696. www.TwinChapelsMortuary.com

Conchita Enrique Sibbaluca

September 16, 1931 - December 11, 2017