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Columbia Gonzales Driessler
May 24, 1946
April 12, 2013
Columbia "Cleo" Gonzales Driessler, 66, of Reno, originally from the Philippines, passed away on April 12 surrounded by her children and husband at St. Mary's Medical Center.
Born in Bacolod City, Cleo was the only child of a public school teacher from Cebu, Adela, and a U.S. military serviceman of Italian-American ancestry. A mestiza beauty, she emigrated from Manila to the U.S. in 1982.
In 1985, she married John Driessler, a decorated Vietnam veteran. "Twenty eight years ago I asked God for a good woman—instead He sent me the best," said John.
Cleo was also survived by her children Randy Gener, Michael Lagunsad, Mannie Lagunsad, and Jessica Blair-Driessler; sons-in-law C. Stephen Nisbet and Lex Blair; and granddaughter Avalon Shea Minderman.
A Catholic mass was held on April 18 at Immaculate Conception Church in Sparks. "My mom was a rare flower — strong and beautiful beyond belief," said Randy who gave the eulogy. "She was a woman of character, courage, wisdom and love. We miss her so."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Kris,
I am very sorry and saddened to hear about your loss. I know your friend meant the world to you. I pray that everything is well with you and the kids.
Rick
May 4, 2014
I miss you. More than words can say.
Kris Richard
April 12, 2014
Mom,
It's been almost a year since we lost you but it feels like yesterday. It is as raw & sad as the last moment you took a breath. I miss you and love you more than words can express. I would trade all my successes and worldly possessions to have you here with us. Kuya Randy needs your strength & love to heal.
Jess
February 15, 2014
Dearest Cleo, I am thinking about you more than usual today, probably because you brought so much unconditional love into my life for the last 2+ years. I miss you every day, my friend, my dearest friend, my best friend.
Kris Richard
February 14, 2014
Oh my dear friend, the people that you let in, really let in, to your heart still are touched by you. Your remarkable generosity of soul, your determination that goes unmatched by few, and above all, your loyalty to those you loved, has been learned and admired; I promise you that. Today my world is flat without you. So powerful and yet, so fragile a being.
I never had the chance to tell you thank you for never giving up on me. I will love you forever and thank God that you let me in.
Susan P
December 9, 2013
May 25, 2013
Happy birthday Mom. People say when you pass you go somewhere better, hope what they say is true. So that on your special day someone gave you flowers, hugs, and made you laugh. The world is not the same without you. The place where you are is really lucky to have you light it up with your presence.
Jessica
May 25, 2013
Today is Mom's birthday. She would have been 67 years old. I cannot believe that I am writing this note here. It has been very difficult and hard to accept. I thank Kris Richard for keeping this Guest Book online for one more year. I cannot imagine a life without her and am trying my best to start life anew in the wake of what has happened. I published an elegy about Mom with the hope of finding new inspiration in the life she lived. Happy Birthday, Mom.
Randy Gener
May 23, 2013
May 21, 2013
My dearest Cleo,
Your guest book will remain online for the next year so that the many people who knew and loved you will have time to read and comment on how you enriched their lives. I love you, I miss you every day without fail, and this Thursday and Friday will be the hardest two days ever, but I will light a candle for you on your birthday and celebrate your life! I am not sure how I will get through my birthday without your annual call, but I will remember the calls past.
Kris Richard
May 21, 2013
I would like to say a few words about my best friend Cleo. We have been friend since our high school days @ USC-Girls High in Cebu. We lost tracked for almost 25 + yrs. until I encountered her at Cal-Neva Casino & Resort in Reno. I could not believe when I heared her familiar voice asking everyone for " Cocktails ". I Sreammmm when I saw her & called her name " Cleoooo " !!!! To me, that's the most memorable day of my life to see my best friend Cleo after all the years we lost contact.
Cleo, will forever be missed but I know in the right time. I will meet Cleo again & continued our happy fun memories !
I will miss her deeply & I want to thank you my friend for your friendship,and never forget the time we spent together at Las Vegas & Black Oak Casino when you won couple hundred which you shared it w/ me & showed me a good slot machine to play with.
I know you're in a better place celebrating your new Life and your memories will be with me forever.
Ariadne Fisher
May 10, 2013
To the wonderful person who worked with mom at Atlantis:
I hope you will read this note. I am sorry you did not leave information about your name or where I can contact you. I am Cleo's son and can tell you what happened to her. Please contact me at randygener at gmail.com. Thank you. -- R
Randy Gener
May 8, 2013
I had the pleasure of spending some time with Cleo on her visits with Randy in NY. She was a wonderful, memorable lady, full of life, passion, and energy. It is so sad to see that taken so early and hope that she is at peace.
Susan Formanes-Hudson
May 6, 2013
im so sorry to hear about your lose,i worked at the Atlantis with her and she always stopped by Cafe Alfresco to say hello to me,she always looked so healthly and beautiful,i would tell her that she always looked 40yrs old to me.may i ask what happened to her? so very sorry,i just loved talking to her,she was so very happy all the time.
April 28, 2013
I will forever cherish the days that I spent with you in Manila two years ago. In your proudest moment as a mom, you welcomed me like family to help celebrate a momentous event – the 2010 Philippine Presidential Award where your son, Randy, was an honored recipient. You were beautiful, outrageous, and so much fun! Most of all, you were compassionate and full of love. You had a heart big enough for all.
Helen Formanes - Fusaro
April 25, 2013
I will forever cherish the days that I spent with you in Manila two years ago. In your proudest moment as a mom, you welcomed me like family to help celebrate a momentous event – the 2010 Philippine Presidential Award where your son, Randy, was an honored recipient. You were beautiful, outrageous, and so much fun! Most of all, you were compassionate and full of love. You had a heart big enough for all.
April 25, 2013
She was a unique, vibrant, and fiercely loyal person whose generousity will be missed. Mom lived for her children and now it will be our mission to live for her.
Jessica Blair-Driessler
April 24, 2013
I'm sorry I never got to meet you. I know you are an incredible woman because I can see it in your daughter, Jessica. Love and blessings in abundance to you, your family, and all those who will miss you forever.
Robin Blair
April 23, 2013
I miss you so. Auf Widersehen mein Schatz.
Your Asawa
John
John Driessler
April 23, 2013
You were one of the finest individuals I have ever hsd the privilege of knowing.
Gary N. Newman
April 23, 2013
While I didn't know Mrs Dreissler, I have the privilege of knowing and admiring her wonderful, accomplished, and devoted son, Randy. His success is certainly testimony to her maternal love and care. May she rest in peace.
Bill Hillegeist
April 23, 2013
Cleo my mom overcame many obstacles that would have been insurmountable for ordinary individuals. There was nothing she wouldn't do for her family. She was loved and is loved.
April 22, 2013
My dearest Cleo, I hope you are surrounded by people to whom you can tell all your stories! I will miss you every day until we can be together and talk and laugh again.
Kris Richard
April 22, 2013
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