Rufina Criste Cabreros passed away Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, at her home in Arroyo Grande. She was born in 1931 in the Philippines to Pedro and Francisca Criste. Rufina lived a long and productive 81 years characterized by three words: Courage, Sacrifice and Family. While in her early teens, Rufina''s mother died and she helped her father care for the family. This was especially difficult as this was during the occupation of the Philippines during World War II. In 1951, she married Venancio Cabreros. From 1952 to 1969, Rufina gave birth to a total 10 children. She spent the rest of her life raising, caring for, providing for and enjoying her children and grandchildren. With the hope of ensuring a better future for their children, Rufina and Venancio imigrated their family to America, starting in 1969. With the help of extended family, Venancio and the older children first moved to America. For nearly four years, Rufina''s family was split between the two countries, which left Rufina to care for her young children without her husband. In 1973, the entire family reunited in Grover Beach. In America, the family started out as sugar pea farmers. This was hard physical work with long hours, hardly any days off and every day Rufina still came home after a full day of work to cook and care for her family. In 1980, Venancio passed away, which left Rufina as the matriarch of the family. With the help of her son, Emerito, the family continued sugar pea farming and they continued to farm until the late 1980s. There were many fond memories of large family gatherings with immediate and extended family who lived in the area. Rufina realized her goal of a brighter future for her family, with her children educated, working and starting families of their own in America. Once the family ceased sugar pea farming, Rufina spent many of her later years providing day care for grandchildren. This was a special experience for her grandchildren to connect with their grandma. Rufina enjoyed and was an especially good Filipino cook. She liked gardening and her TV shows, but the greatest enjoyment she received was spending time with her family. Even though Rufina struggled with many ailments towards the end of her life, she was able to live independently and still cook her delicious Filipino dishes to the enjoyment of her family during visits. Thank you mom/grandma for you courage, sacrifice, and dedication to our family. Rufina is survived by her children Antonio Cabreros, Celso Cabreros, Nellie Cabreros Sison, Emerito Cabreros, Elvira Cabreros, Rosario Cabreros, Ruben Cabreros, Efren Cabreros, Clarence Cabreros; their spouses; and numerous grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Venancio Cabreros; and daughter, Virginia Cabreros Ganotisi. Viewing will be from 5 to 6 p.m., followed by the recitation of the rosary, Friday, Jan. 4, 2013, at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 800 Bello in Pismo Beach. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013, also at St. Paul''s, with burial at the Arroyo Grande Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Filipino Community Center in Grover Beach. Lady Family Mortuary 489-4717 Arroyo Grande
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My deepest condolences to the Cabreros family. I will always remember your mother and her visits to our ranch in Woodland, and how much my dad and his brothers looked forward to seeing her and visiting with everyone. I will also remember the wonderful hospitality your mother, and the rest of your family, extended to us on our trips to Arroyo Grande...May she rest in peace!
John Criste
January 8, 2013
I did not know Rufina Criste Cabreros, But I do believe the entire Cabreros Family were great masterful FARMERS throughout the central coast. God Bless your beloved Mother, Grandmother,Sister,Sister-in-Law, Aunt Great Aunt and Friend. You will always be in the hearts of your loved one's and family friends. May your legacy live on.
anomyous
January 7, 2013
May you rest in peace auntie. To all cousins, may you feel God's loving arms around each of you in times like this. My heart is with you all.
Mila Calibuso Aragones
January 6, 2013
EFREN, SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. DON FARLEY
DON FARLEY
January 4, 2013
Elvie and family I'm so sorry for your loss. What a great legacy she leaves behind. Her life was amazing here on earth but her eternal life will never end. 2Timothy4 says.. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness. She earned her crown and is with your dad. Your all in my prayers.
Martha Ruiz
January 4, 2013
So sorry for your loss. Auntie will be missed she was a wonderful,caring,thoughtful mom. Thoughts and prayers to all of you.
Jaime & Rose Flores
January 4, 2013
Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of the late lola Rufina. We may not be intimately in touched with each other but our thoughts and prayers will surely be yours.
from AMARILLO family (San Vicente, Ilocos Sur,PH)
Cindy Amarillo
January 4, 2013
Thank you for all you have done for our family, Grandma. I love you very much and will miss you always!!
Love your eldest granddaughter,
Sheena Ganotisi
January 3, 2013
Rest in peace, Rufina. You were an amazing lady. Thank you for sharing your beautiful family with us. Frank & Laurie Miller
January 3, 2013
My Sympathy to Elvira and her family.What a wonderful life and family she created and loved. Hugs..Penny& Dale
Penny Rodriguez
January 3, 2013
Mom' you will be miss.
Elvira Cabreros
January 3, 2013
sympathy to you all with fond memories from the Mehlschau family
January 3, 2013
Hi Auntie,
You leave us lots of memories. You have lived a full life on this earth reaching a ripened age. May you now rest in peace and join uncle, and my cousin Virgie. Say hello to my dad and grandmas and grandpas.
Our Dear God, may You grant Eternal Rest to our Auntie, And let perpetual light shine upon her. May you rest in peace.
Auntie, You will be missed.
Maryson Cabudoy
January 3, 2013
Thank you mom for being such a strong woman and mother. Thank you for taking me and Angela in and out to your home and help me raise her to a beautiful woman. We love you and
will missed you very much.
January 3, 2013
Rufina was such a nice lady. I feel honored to have met her. Her many children and grand children are a testament to her family values. The Cabreros family is in our prayers. God Bless the Cabreros family.
Jack Hardy
January 3, 2013
Rest in peace auntie. We will miss you.
Choling Cabreros
January 3, 2013
My thoughts and prayers go out to you, Rosie and all your family.
Beverly Wieben
January 3, 2013
Thank you mom for living my motto "if there's a will, there's a way." Thank you for raising me to be a strong and independent woman. I will miss you and I love you.
Rosie ( your youngest daughter, who is ver much like you.)
January 3, 2013
Rest in peace mom. We love you!
Mary Cabreros
January 3, 2013
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