Emma Ronquillo Nalangan

Emma Ronquillo Nalangan age 94, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones on Monday, July 12, 2021 in her home in Sacramento, California. She was born on August 25, 1926, and raised in Cuenca of the Batangas province in the Philippines to Severino Ronquillo of Iloilo and Isadora Malabag of Cuenca. Emma attended university in Manila, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and becoming a certified public accountant. It was through a mutual friend that she was introduced to a pen pal in California who fell in love with her through nearly daily letters and many phone calls, inspiring him to fly to the Philippines to propose and on February 24, 1960, she married Ray Icay Nalangan and returned with him to America.

Emma and Ray dreamt of the kind of life they wanted. Ahead of their time, it was agreed that Emma would apply her commerce acumen working outside of the home while Ray would retire from farming to be home to care for their two children, Judy Ronquillo and Ray John. In the business world Emma forged full steam ahead willing to roll up her sleeves to do what it takes to achieve the goals she had in mind; she exemplified what it looked like to be “masipag” - hard working. Over the years, Emma built a private practice as the first Filipino woman CPA in Sacramento. Prior and during her time running her practice, Emma worked as a secretary for bankruptcy attorney Donald C. Frazier, obtained a real estate license, worked part time for Pacific Bell telephone company and even sold Avon cosmetic products. In this way, Emma and Ray achieved their hopes, most especially providing the opportunities that an education would bring for their children. Judy holds a Masters in Physical Therapy and practices in San Jose. Ray John holds a Masters of Architecture and is a California Licensed Architect. That this dream extended into the next generation delighted Emma as two of her grandchildren are now attending college.

Emma loved spending time with family and participating in Filipino cultural and professional organizations, especially parades, dances, and holiday potlucks. She enjoyed all the foods and music of the Philippines. She often hosted Filipino carolers who came to the house to lead songs and then have dessert. Her beautiful soprano voice turned heads at those gatherings as well as at midnight masses on Christmas Eve and other special musical occasions.

Giving back to God and her community was important to Emma. She funded and coordinated the building of a church in Cuenca as well as a Shrine for the Divine Mercy at St. Joseph’s Church in Clarksburg, California. In her later years, she volunteered to help with Sunday school and was part of the Divine Mercy, a group dedicated to prayer and charitable works.

Over the past eight years, Emma has been extremely blessed to have been excellently cared for by Hilda Manuel and Anthony McKarson bringing her the happiness of shared language, customs, jokes, and food which added special significance as she aged and during the year of our world’s pandemic.

Last but not least, Emma was a prayer warrior. Daily, she prayed for her family and anyone she knew of who was in need. She often reminded us that all her bounty is by God’s grace. She lived her faith and it sustained her into her last day. She was especially tired one day and asked “Am I still alive?” The answer then and now, “Yes, you are, mom!”

Emma will be dearly remembered by many extended family, friends, and by her daughter and son & grandchildren: Judy Nalangan Eagleton (Jim), Aleia Eagleton, Lucas Eagleton; Ray John Nalangan (Lori), Jacob Nalangan, Layla Nalangan and is preceded in death by her husband and sister: Ray Icay Nalangan; and Analeta Cuevas.

Rosary & Celebration of Life, Saturday July 24, 2021, at 10:30am at Gormley & Sons, 2015 Capitol Avenue, Sacramento, California. Lunch Reception to Follow at Alaro’s, 2004 Capitol Avenue (Directly across the street from Gormley & Sons; Vehicles may remain in the Gormley & Sons parking lot).

Memorial Mass, Friday August 6, 2021 at 10:30am at St. Anthony’s, 660 Florin Road, Sacramento, California. Burial to follow at 1:15pm at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Road, Dixon, California