Obituary of Genelyn Sanicolas Villanueva

Genelyn “Jing” S. Villanueva

May 22, 1977 - February 9, 2019

I, Genelyn “Jing” Villanueva, have passed away peacefully in my sleep on February 9, 2019 at 11:55am, surrounded by my family in Murrieta, California. I leave behind my husband Mark, stepson Jalen, mother Rebecca, father Isauro (Cesar), my siblings: Jonathan (Atok), Caesar (Chito), Jennyca (Cacai), and my beloved nieces and nephews.

Before I moved to San Diego, California, I was born and raised in San Carlos City, Pangasinan, Philippines: where my heart is, and always will be. My roots are in Pangasinan. There, I earned a Bachelor of Science at the Virgen Milagrosa University, was a former Account Executive at ABS-CBN, and this is also where my two brothers currently reside. Stateside, I worked briefly as a Medicine Technician, and have enjoyed my family in California. In recent years, I have been fighting an on-and-off battle with breast cancer, but let’s not remember me in that way – I was much more than this!

My cousins will tell you I was the sassy older cousin, and a courageous fighter. I’m the “Ate” who lovingly watched over them, with the loud voice, and bright wide eyes that would soak up the room. And they are right! But, they are forgetting to add that I was very maganda. I loved my cousins, and consider myself lucky to have had so many memories with all of you. Thank you for seeing me before my time came, I noticed it all, and it made me smile.

To my sister, Jennyca: You made it to California, and now you have a beautiful family. It has filled me with joy to be an Auntie to your boys (albeit tiring at times, your boys are very active and run very fast), and to have had so many memories with you in America. To my brothers Caesar and Jonathan in the Philippines, your sister misses you and I carry our bond always. Please remind my nieces and nephews that I love them. I love you, Mom and Dad. Mom, I was here when you made it to America, and when you got married in California. I’m glad to have been a part of this new chapter in your life, and to have had time with you here. Mark, my husband: our Marriage was full of love, adventure, hiking, exploring, cooking, and friends. Through our ups and downs, we grew stronger and closer with love.

To all my uncles and aunties in America, who have taken such great care of me: you have all welcomed me into your homes as your own daughter. I know this because of all the baon you have given me over the years. There is love (and Datu Puti) in all your Pyrex Tupperwares.

Nanay Consay, my grandma, my friend. There is no need to worry about me anymore. You helped raised me, massaging my sore muscles, and sharing the balita of the day. Sometimes, you would repeat the same balita twice in the same day, but its ok it made me laugh. The pain is gone now, grandma, and I am at peace. Inararo ta ka.

I have lived life, and I’ve seen the world: I’ve married, camped, played in the snow, immigrated to America, set sail on a cruise ship, and laid out on warm Hawaiian beaches. I have laughed with my cousins, I’ve hugged my family, and I’ve walked among my sisters in breast cancer. I have lived, and I am survived by such a loud and loving Filipino family. Please join me in celebrating my life, and know that I’m here with you, always.

I am on my way now, as is God’s plan. I love you all.