Cesaria Villasista

Cesaria “Charing” Villasista passed away on February 7, 2026 at the age of 87, surrounded by loved ones.

Born in Bantog, Asingan, Pangasinan, Philippines, on July 28, 1938 to parents Mariano Matudio and Pascuala Gorospe, Cesaria was the second of four children. Growing up, she worked hard alongside her farming parents. Through perseverance and dedication, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from Centro Escolar University, Manila, Philippines. She received her Board Certified Pharmacy License from the Republic of the Philippines Civil Service Commission on June 23, 1963. She was married to Antonio Villasista, a neighbor and a doctor of Optometry.

In 1970, Cesaria came to the United States, bringing her three children, Agnes, Ray, and John, to settle in San Jose, California, where she made her lifelong home. As a mother, she raised her children with love, discipline, strength, and determination while working hard at a Del Monte cannery and then at several technology/electronics companies (Synertec, Advanced Micro, Analog Devices Inc). Never wanting to slow down, she later worked part-time for Club Demonstration Services at Costco, as a product demonstrator, well into her 70s.

Throughout her life’s many challenges, Cesaria placed her trust in God. Cesaria loved spending time with family and found joy in her hobbies. She loved gardening at home and generously shared the fruits and vegetables she grew with family, friends, and neighbors. She was a wonderful cook, making classic Filipino dishes and her specialty was her lumpia (personal recipe) making sure to customize the recipe to her children and grandchildren's tastes. Her eleven grandchildren and four great grandchildren held a special place in her heart. She was proud of them, celebrated their accomplishments, and she would share with them stories of her life experiences. She loved her independence and her bus pass was her pride and joy, giving her the freedom to go wherever and whenever she pleased.

Cesaria was a thoughtful and caring friend, always ready to lend a helping hand. She was a stage IV breast cancer survivor for nine years, a testament to her strength and resilience.

The family extends much gratitude to all those who offered prayers for Cesaria, and we pray God take her into His kingdom in Heaven.

She is survived by three siblings, her brother Laddy (Amy), her sister Pacing, and her sister Paz; her children, Agnes (Abdul), Ray, and John (Erika); her eleven grandchildren, Ryan, Regina (Jordan), Ronnie (Phillida), Matthew (Kristina), Devin, Jaedon, Avery, Landen, Saraye, Jakob, and Addison; and her four great-grandchildren, Aleah, Andre, Jonas, and Camilla; all her many nieces and nephews; and her chosen family and lifelong best friend, Virginia, and Virginia's son, Freddie.