Nieves Tongco Obituary

TONGCO, NIEVES "BING" Nieves "Bing" Tongco was born in Guam on August 5, 1927. She grew up amidst World War II and raised her younger siblings (who adorned her with the nickname "Bing"). On January 19, 1947, Bing married Jose Tongco. They settled in San Diego and their home became a focal point for family gatherings. It was a common sight to see a big group enjoying her home-cooked food. Bing had a knack with games particularly mah jong and cards. While playing she would tell stories of the internment camp in Guam, and various tales about her family. She had a generous heart and fierce spirit. Bing would do anything for a loved one and her care was far-reaching. She truly enjoyed being around children. She worked as a teacher's assistant and the kids knew the love of a grandmother under her care. Bing instinctively redefined the word family to suit her vast ability to love. Many people genuinely called her family without needing the claim of blood ties. Bing died peacefully on August 5, 2009, surrounded by family and loved ones. Bing is survived by one brother, three sisters, six children, sixteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Aug. 30, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Nieves Tongco

9 Entries

Cristina Chavarria

September 1, 2009

Grandma,
To you I am eternally grateful for the love, happiness and memories you have blessed me with. I am the developing woman that I am today because of your influence and guidance in my life. You gave me the beautiful gift of music and ability to sing. I live each day in appreciation of life, family and friends because of you, Grandma. Thank you for every second of every day of my life, because without you, neither I, my siblings or my mom would be here. And for that I will always be grateful, I hope and pray everyday to be half the woman and mother that you were. Everyday that passes in my life I live to make you and Abuelita proud. I feel you both with me every single day, and all I can do is smile because I know that you're both laughing and singing, watching over us all.

Thank you for everything, Grandma. I have nothing but unconditional love for you.

August 31, 2009

Dear Mrs. Tongco,

I am so sorry I missed your Memorial Service. When I met you, I thought you were a vibrant woman with a funny and witty sense of humor. I can see that family was important to you. You're a natural when it comes to being a mother to everyone. I enjoyed the times I had with you and your family during that four year period in the past. You have a wonderful family that I can admit I miss at times. The laughs we all had were great. I know we all go our separate ways, but you are in the best place - heaven. May you have peace and happiness in paradise.

Love,
Lianne Demetrio Hawver

Bernie & Jo Manibusan-Punzalan

August 31, 2009

You will always be in our thoughts and prayers. We will miss you dearly. To my dear cousins - words are hardly enough to express our condolences for the loss of your mother. She is now a guardian angel watching over us. We love and miss you all! si Bernie & Jo Manibusan-Punzalan

Lyn Tongco

August 31, 2009

Dear Mom,
Thank you for everything that you had done for us. We love and miss you very much! You changed the way I would think of what a "mother in law" is because you outpoured me with your love. From checking on me to make sure I ate...to putting a blanket on me when I was running a temperature. You will always be in our hearts and I promise that Joshua, Kamille and Jacob will grow up knowing their Grandma Bing. I love you.

How you can show support

Get email updates whenever changes are made.

Send flowers

Consider sending flowers.

Add photos

Share their life with photo memories.

Plant trees

Honor them by planting trees in their memory.

Donate in Memory

Make a donation in memory of your loved one.

Share this page

Invite other friends and family to visit the page.

Patsy Johnson Maga

August 31, 2009

Dear Tongco Family: I will always be grateful to you and your parents for letting me a part of your family during the years we were growing up on Wheatley Street. Your mom was kind, patient and generous to me, and I don't think I ever fully expressed my appreciation to her. I love you all...and can understand the depth of your loss with the passing of this beloved mother, grandmother and friend.

Lisa Chavarria

August 30, 2009

Mom,

You will always be with me in my heart. You have been my role model in so many ways, intelligent, caring and strong. I can only hope to be half as good a mother to my children as you have been to me. I love you mom.

Rita Tongco

August 30, 2009

I am so grateful to have spent so much of my time with you, learning, growing, laughing...you're with me every day, when I speak, my words are colored with all your spirit and life. I am proud of your life and love, I am proud to be a Tongco and to call my family just that--family. I love you.

Mare Gilbert

August 30, 2009

I can just see Bing now - sitting up in a coconut tree growing from a cloud, possibly tossing a few down on unsuspecting passers-by. Bing was my mom, Donna's best friend at Silverado Escondido. I remember them walking, holding each other's hand, and Bing would be singing "Amaploa, my pretty little poppy..." My mom still has a photo on her nightstand of her and Bing. I have missed Bing for 2 years and now I'll miss her even more but I'll also know that now she is strolling the clouds, watching over us and waiting for her friend Donna.

Diann Tongco

August 30, 2009

Dearest Mom - You will always be in our hearts. You know how much your love and support meant to me through the years. I couldn't ask for a better friend, mother-in-law or grandparent for my girls. Thank you for everything.

I love you. Always.

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results