Rosalina Beltran Mendoza's Obituary
In Celebration of a loving Wife, Mommy, Grandma,
Great Grandma and Great-Great Grandma
Rosalina Beltran Mendoza was born on August 3, 1926 to Victorio and Brigida Beltran in the town of San Marcelino, Province of Zambales, Philippines. She was also fondly known as Sally.
As a perpetual caregiver, she grew up taking care of her siblings and other children. In school, she was an athlete playing softball and running cross-county. She was also an amazing cook, always happy to make Filipino dishes for family and friends. She had a feisty personality and didn’t hesitate to be candid and honest about how she felt.
She met the love of her life, Felix Ledina Mendoza, and together they had seven children, Cesar, Andromeda, Brigida, Santiago, Norma, Hydra and Felix, Jr.
Rosalina and Felix’s 66-year relationship began with a bike ride in the plaza and their courting continued with dates to the movies and dances.
In 1959, Felix was drafted into the United States Army stationed on multiple bases, away from Rosalina and their family. In 1961, Felix petitioned President Kennedy to be a US Citizen and with the support of Senator Fong of Hawaii, a private bill was passed that quickly allowed Felix to become a U.S. Citizen and move Rosalina and his family to the U.S. in April 1964.
Rosalina was a caring and strong willed mom raising five children, while often working part time at various positions on the base. She always ensured there was a hot and hearty meal on the table, a clean and orderly home and lots of activities. The kids stayed involved in academics, sports and social events and were part of the Filipino American Association wherever they were based.
Over the course of the 28 years as a military wife, they lived in Missouri, Hawaii, Guam, Texas, Germany, California, South Korea and finally retiring in 1987 in Tacoma, Washington. In retirement, they continued to travel and take cruises, loved dancing the cha-cha, electric slide and ballroom. Her favorite past-time was going to "school," also known as BINGO. And, there was always time for fishing, crabbing and jigging for squid.
In her final days, she was made comfortable by her husband and family knowing that God was looking over her. She passed away peacefully at home in Bremerton at the age of 91 on Wednesday, March 21st surrounded by her loved ones who will miss her deeply.
Rosalina was preceded in death by her parents Victorio and Brigida Beltran, her siblings Julita, Hermenio, Avelina, Laureto, Consolacion, Alfonso, and her sons Cesar and Santiago.
She leaves behind her loving husband of 66 years, Felix Mendoza, her children
Andromeda (Alex), Brigida (Ken), Norma (Florante), Hydra (Eric) and Felix Jr. and;
Her grand-children: Rubylynn, Tessie, Joey (Sweetie), Kristyna (Clyde), Danny (Mona)
Kenneth (Nicole) and Maressa (Jason) Sharlene (Nate) and Josh (Michelle)
Ashoka and Santiago and;
Her 27 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren.
What’s your fondest memory of Rosalina?
What’s a lesson you learned from Rosalina?
Share a story where Rosalina's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Rosalina you’ll never forget.
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