Rufina Molina

Rufina G. Molina passed away on January 8, 2021. She was 84.

Rufina was born on June 24, 1936 to Paulo Gragasin and Filomena Ayson in the Philippines. She migrated from the Philippines to the U.S in 1966, on a work visa as an elementary teacher. In 1968, she met and married her husband of 39 years, Danny Molina.

Together, they traveled Europe: The Vatican and Madrid, and other places. She worked at the Santa Cruz Health Department and even operated her own residential care home for the elderly, the Molina Guest Home, until 2010. She petitioned and thereafter, sponsored and moved her siblings to the U.S to be together. She was also a pillar for the Filipino Community and was involved in Holy Eucharist, St. Patrick's Church, and the Filipino Catholic Association as the treasurer. Rufina also lead prayers and sang for the "novenas" at funerals and rosaries. Her love for people and for her family exudes her. She worked hard to ensure her family was taken care of and was involved in the community in every possible aspect.

Rufina enjoyed cooking for holidays, events, and also enjoyed meeting her friends at functions. She is considered the catalyst and the Matriarch of her family, keeping them together. Rufina considered all children her children. Rufina was preceded in death by her parents, husband, 1 brother, and two sisters. She is survived by her son Nicanor "Nick" Molina; grandchildren JoAnn Meza and Jonathan Molina and family; a stepdaughter Yvonne Molina; her niece Evelyn Valentino; a brother Alberto Gragasin; and 2 sisters, Juana Lacayanga and Magdalena Celestino

An outdoor viewing will be held on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at Mehl's Colonial Chapel from 1-7 pm, with the Rosary to be held at 5 pm. A (limited capacity) outdoor Mass will be held on Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 11 am at St. Patrick's Church, with burial at Pajaro Valley Memorial Park.

Published in The Pajaronian · January 21, 2021