Rosario Alvareda Parong Bernaldez
October 11, 1938 - February 1, 2022
On February 1, 2022, Rosie, beloved mom, grandma, sister and friend, passed on peacefully at home, surrounded by family at the age of 83.
She was born in Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines to parents Bernarda Alvareda and Narciso Parong, Sr. She was a caring, assertive daughter and a nurturing sister to 3 brothers and 3 sisters. She grew up in Nueva Vizcaya, loving reading and making friends. She excelled in school, graduating with honors. She got scholarships in pursuit of an Education degree and became an excellent teacher and teacher trainer.
She was a dreamer, a lover of books and arts, a reflective woman who wanted to meet people of various cultures and explore beyond the confines of the Philippines. She migrated to Canada, taught children in Alberta, then pursued further studies. She crossed the border to the US, and continued to teach and study.
She married Ramon Bernaldez, with whom she nurtured a family. Their children, Kim and Claire, grew up in Washington as she worked at the Peace Arch Border for Homeland Security. She loved to tell them stories, teach crafts, go shopping, and take family trips.
Her work as an Immigration Officer and Asylum Officer brought her to Vermont, Guam, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, Florida and Guantanamo, Cuba. She enjoyed travelling to new places, while she worked to ensure respect for human rights and diligently attended to the needs of asylum seekers.
After retirement, she was very busy volunteering, writing stories, working part time, and was editor of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) Sno-King newsletter. She graduated from 4 years of disciple classes at Ronald United Methodist Church, and helped with several committees. She was happy for the meaningful work and second family found in the congregation. She was a proud grandma of Calvin and Garran, sons of Claire and Travis. She gardened with them and attended all their concerts, baseball and soccer games and scout events.
She had a life well lived, even when she lost her speech after a stroke. She enjoyed painting classes, playing in a games group, attending family gatherings and going to the senior center. She loved to read, travel, go to movies, museums, nurseries and the beach. She worked hard on her recovery and kept her sense of humor.
She is survived by her son Kim, daughter Claire, son-in-law Travis, grandsons Calvin and Garran, and sisters Venus Acebedo, Aurora Parong and Remedios Guarino.
She said if she only had $2 left, she would give $1 to someone who needed it, and buy a book with the other dollar. We will miss her kindness, strength, laughter and generosity. She will be forever in our hearts.
FUNERAL INFORMATION
Viewing: Saturday February 12, 2022 from 2:00 - 4:00 PM
Service: 4:00 PM
Ronald United Methodist Church
17839 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133
See the map below.