Teodora Ballesteros Abalahin's Obituary
Teodora “Dora” Abalahin, 96, was invited to her heavenly home on December 21, 2014 and joins her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and her husband, Francisco. Her firm belief in God and devotion to family warmly ushered her into the welcoming arms of both her awaiting Lord, husband, and other family members who preceded her.
Dora was born to the late Alberto and Juana Ballesteros in Pangasinan, Philippines on November 25, 1918. Early in her life working as a seamstress in Manila, Dora became smitten with a Philippine scout in the United States Army. She and Francisco fell in love, married on March 14, 1946, and raised four kids: Renato, Gloria, Tessie, and Ester.
In July 1967, Francisco’s service to the U.S. Army brought the family to Lakewood, WA, which became Dora’s home for the remainder of her life. As a devout Catholic and part of the St. John Bosco parish, Dora spent countless hours praying and was rarely seen without her rosary beads.
Dora was blessed with a large and loving family. She enjoyed watching it grow from four children to 12 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and ultimately one great-great-grandchild before her passing. Throughout her life, she demonstrated faithfulness to Christ and served as a humble example for a family of Christians.
For 10 years, Dora cared for Francisco after he suffered a debilitating stroke in 1975. After his death in 1985, she demonstrated faithfulness to him by wearing black for many years. After a 30 year wait, they are now reunited in heaven. Dora’s house was nearly always filled with family members for gatherings, temporary housing, or day care with home-cooked food on the stove. Her family could count on care and comfort in Dora’s loving home.
Dora’s life will be celebrated on Monday, December 29, 2014 at St. John Bosco, 10508 112th St. SW, Lakewood, WA 98498 with a rosary at 10:00 A.M. and Mass at 11:00 A.M. respectively. She will be buried after the Mass at Mountain View Funeral Home. A reception at the Old Country Buffet (5815 Lakewood Towne Center Blvd SW, Lakewood, WA 98499) will follow.
Prior to the funeral, there will be two viewings: Saturday, December 27, 2014 from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM and Sunday from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Mountain View Funeral Home. Cards and flowers can be sent to Mountain View Funeral Home at 4100 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Lakewood, WA 98499 with attention to Teodora Abalahin.
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