Epifania B. dela Cuesta

Epifania Balintona dela Cuesta

Jan 6, 1928 - May 22, 2024

My mom was born in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte in the Philippines.  January 6th, 1928, Epiphany…so fitting!  Her parents, Melecio and Margarita Balintona had 8 children; Mary, Paul, Francisco, Eufemia, Bernardo, Fausto, Lorenzo and Mom being the youngest.  Mom grew up in the northern provinces of the Philippines, later leaving home to study at the Philippines Women's University in Manila where she got her degree.  Mom met my dad, Agustin V. dela Cuesta. After Dad overcame the overprotective older brothers, they dated and eventually married on July 4, 1957. Then we came along!  Fidel Voltaire,  Melecio Agustin and Agustin Gerald!  We lived in the Manila suburbs of Sisa, Quezon City.   Mom opened her neighborhood pharmacy and Dad worked for the Bureau of Lands.  We had a nice life…but Mom wanted more for herself and her family.

In 1968, Mom had an opportunity to come to America!  Thanks to opportunities created by President Lyndon B. Johnson, Mom landed a job with Comsat.  She lived with a host family, Lolo and Lola Nudo and their 4 children until she was able to settle down and find an apartment in Arlington, Va.  Mom surrounded herself with many lifetime friends.   Then in July, 1969, we came along.   Packing 2 suitcases and pasalubong to share.  My Dad and my 2 brothers came to the States with just the clothes on our backs!  Mom eventually left Comcast to work for the DC government.   She worked at various pharmacies throughout the city, boy did she have some stories to tell working there.  She formed many bonds with co-workers and thoroughly enjoyed helping the patients that were in need! We also moved to our first house in Cheverly…um Tuxedo, Maryland in 1973.  Mom was always the first to reach out to the new neighbors and our families became very close, especially with “dose Picketts”!  My brothers and I graduated highschool and attended various colleges and eventually got married, the American Dream. Mom and Dad were very proud!   Fidel’s family; Yolanda, son Marco, daughters Marianne and Melissa.  My family (Mel) Carol, daughter Carmela and son Dylan.  Gus and Heather with daughter Nina.  

We moved to New Carrollton, Md in 1980, a little newer house.  In 1987, Dad passed away, suddenly.  Mom lived in the New Carrollton house a few more years.  She kept herself busy, and helped start a Filipino Organization called Mabuhay.  Mom joined St. Mary’s Church choir that actually performed for Pope John Paul II in Rome. In 1992 Mom eventually moved to a retirement community called Burke Lake Gardens in Burke, Virginia. The place was very close to her niece, Elba Argel Carabeo and her family, husband Fermin (Toy), sons Peter and Joe.  By the way, Elba was the flower girl at Mom and Dads wedding!  It was a new life for Mom.  Many activities, travel overseas, many excursions.  It was a very safe and inviting community and boy did she make a lot of friends, especially Joan Canon.  A very special lady.  Mom was a member of the Nativity church choir, assisted with the CCD program, and joined many senior organizations.  Mom really thrived in that environment and kept her social calendar full!  

Just before Covid, Mom had some health issues that necessitated moving back to Maryland, closer to us.  She entered the Ellicott City Rehabilitation Center.  The staff there was wonderful and took very good care of her.  Again, a social calendar full of activities.  Many visitors, friends and family were always around.  Covid times were tough but the staff kept Mom well and they did their best keeping us in touch with Mom. Celebrated her birthdays, including her 95th B-day Bash.  It was awesome, dancing, singing, good food and even a very nice speech from Mom…not a dry eye in the place!  The Orange Spot Bistro was packed with friends and family.  The staff would always come in and have nice words to say about Momma!

On May 22, we said our goodbyes to Mom. Family and friends visited the last few days, holding her hand by her bedside.  Sharing many stories about this fantastic person, friend, mom, lola, Ms. Eppie, grandma, sister…  She was a devout Catholic, very loyal, family is always 1st but she was always ready to make a new friend.  She was very generous and was never afraid to speak her mind.

We love you Mom, we miss you so much already.  Knowing you are now with the Lord, Dad and Fidel is also very comforting.

As Mom always tells us when we say goodbye…”Be good to each other, Love each other…”