ENRIFELIA BAUTISTA
OFELIA GOMEZ PADOLINA - BAUTISTA
Sunrise: August 25, 1929 Sunset: October 28, 2021
A woman beloved by all, Ofelia passed away peacefully while in her sleep on October 28, 2021 surrounded by her immediate family in Pittsburg, California. She was 92 yrs old.
Ofelia was born on August 25, 1929, in Limay, Bataan Philippines. She was the second child of six siblings (4 sisters and 2 brothers) of Felipe Bote Padolina and Edilberta Magpoc Gomez.
Ofelia graduated from the University of the Philippines in Diliman with a bachelor's degree in Education, majoring in Physical Education, minor in Music. She was a teacher in Torres High School in Manila where she met Enrique Bautista who was also a teacher. They were married on April 19,1958 and had 5 beautiful children. In 1968, Enrique left for the United States for better opportunities. Ofelia after quitting her teaching job, followed her Husband the year after. On her own she brought all 5 children with her to United States with the youngest being 1 year old .
Ofelia, with her 5 children adjusting to their American life, had to stop working to become a full- time housewife. While she was a housewife, she was an active member of the Filipino American club. She was the Teacher and Director of the Filipino Dance groups with members ranging from different ages. Ofelia and her husband were very active in their pursuit of their civic and social duties within and around their local community. She was also part of the Fil - Am Scholarship Committee. She was kind to everyone and warmed hearted in sharing her Filipino culture with everyone who wanted to learn about it. Ofelia also started Blimex Store which was the first Filipino owned import and export store in Pittsburg California.
When she eventually retired as a business owner, she helped set-up a bible study group which eventually became her “refuge” when her husband passed on in 2005. Since then, her love for GOD, flourished as she continued to spread and share that love with all who came in contact with her. She was a moral compass and spiritual guide to so many people, especially to her family. She was also a generous supporter of many charitable organizations.
Ofelia had a knack for keeping in touch with everyone, way before social media came to be. In her 80s, she made trips back and forth to her home country (Philippines) bringing her children and grandchildren to reconnect with relatives and learn about their roots.
The matriarch of the family, Ofie to friends, Fely to family, “Lola” to her grandkids, was loved by everyone – she was a mother, grandmother, sister, cousin, friend, teacher, mentor … a
representation of a woman who loved the Lord with all her heart up to her last days. Ofelia was an extraordinary, strong, graceful, humble, and inspiring woman who lived a full meaningful life. Although she is no longer with us physically, her heart and spirit will continue to live on through the hearts she has touched.
She is survived by her children - Enrifelia, Enofe, Ennella, Enrio and Enriela; Grandchildren –
Ciara, Andrew, Cassandra, Jenea, Jerel, Bianca, Orion, Aleesa, Nathaniel, Leah ; Great
Grandchildren – Jayden, Kylie, Jaksen, Michael Jr, Ronan,and Riah.
Sunrise: August 25, 1929 Sunset: October 28, 2021
A woman beloved by all, Ofelia passed away peacefully while in her sleep on October 28, 2021 surrounded by her immediate family in Pittsburg, California. She was 92 yrs old.
Ofelia was born on August 25, 1929, in Limay, Bataan Philippines. She was the second child of six siblings (4 sisters and 2 brothers) of Felipe Bote Padolina and Edilberta Magpoc Gomez.
Ofelia graduated from the University of the Philippines in Diliman with a bachelor's degree in Education, majoring in Physical Education, minor in Music. She was a teacher in Torres High School in Manila where she met Enrique Bautista who was also a teacher. They were married on April 19,1958 and had 5 beautiful children. In 1968, Enrique left for the United States for better opportunities. Ofelia after quitting her teaching job, followed her Husband the year after. On her own she brought all 5 children with her to United States with the youngest being 1 year old .
Ofelia, with her 5 children adjusting to their American life, had to stop working to become a full- time housewife. While she was a housewife, she was an active member of the Filipino American club. She was the Teacher and Director of the Filipino Dance groups with members ranging from different ages. Ofelia and her husband were very active in their pursuit of their civic and social duties within and around their local community. She was also part of the Fil - Am Scholarship Committee. She was kind to everyone and warmed hearted in sharing her Filipino culture with everyone who wanted to learn about it. Ofelia also started Blimex Store which was the first Filipino owned import and export store in Pittsburg California.
When she eventually retired as a business owner, she helped set-up a bible study group which eventually became her “refuge” when her husband passed on in 2005. Since then, her love for GOD, flourished as she continued to spread and share that love with all who came in contact with her. She was a moral compass and spiritual guide to so many people, especially to her family. She was also a generous supporter of many charitable organizations.
Ofelia had a knack for keeping in touch with everyone, way before social media came to be. In her 80s, she made trips back and forth to her home country (Philippines) bringing her children and grandchildren to reconnect with relatives and learn about their roots.
The matriarch of the family, Ofie to friends, Fely to family, “Lola” to her grandkids, was loved by everyone – she was a mother, grandmother, sister, cousin, friend, teacher, mentor … a
representation of a woman who loved the Lord with all her heart up to her last days. Ofelia was an extraordinary, strong, graceful, humble, and inspiring woman who lived a full meaningful life. Although she is no longer with us physically, her heart and spirit will continue to live on through the hearts she has touched.
She is survived by her children - Enrifelia, Enofe, Ennella, Enrio and Enriela; Grandchildren –
Ciara, Andrew, Cassandra, Jenea, Jerel, Bianca, Orion, Aleesa, Nathaniel, Leah ; Great
Grandchildren – Jayden, Kylie, Jaksen, Michael Jr, Ronan,and Riah.
