Violeta Cruz Ronquillo

Violeta C. Ronquillo was born and began blessing the world with her presence on August 21, 1942 in Metro Manila, Philippines. She immigrated to the USA in 1976 with her oldest daughter to join her husband. She was a loving mother, aunt, godmother, grandmother, a devoted Roman Catholic, and a dedicated first grade elementary school teacher, first in the Philippines and then later at St. Joseph School in Jersey City, NJ for 30 years, retiring in 2012. She was beloved by all of her students, inspiring many of them to become teachers themselves.

Violeta was like a beautiful flower and a ray of sunshine, with her youthful spirit and heart of gold. Aside from her love of teaching, she loved classical music as well as golden oldies from the 50's through 70's, playing the piano and other instruments by ear, cooking a variety of Filipino foods, and spending time with her family, whom she supported endlessly. She also enjoyed little things like fresh flowers, stuffed animals, fluffy pillows, sparkly costume jewelry, sweet desserts, and a gentle, cool breeze on a summer evening. Most of all, she enjoyed making anyone who came across her path feel special.

In 2021, she and her husband relocated from their home in Jersey City, NJ, where they lived for nearly 45 years, to Girard, OH to be with their youngest daughter and daughter-in-law. Here in Ohio, she made their house a home with her sweet presence, Filipino home cooking, and her love for creating seasonal decorations - a carryover from her days as a teacher.

She is survived by her immediate and vast extended family. Her husband of 55 years, Romeo; her oldest daughter, Maria; her son-in-law, Steve; her grandson, Vinny; her youngest daughter, Annaliza; her daughter-in-law, Stevana; her older brother, Valentin Jr.; sister-in-law, Caring; nieces, Grace and Carolyn; nephew, Richard; great nieces, Rebecca and Olivia; great nephews, Albert and William; in the her older sister, Amelia; nieces, Thet, Molly, and Iris; Nephew, James; and countless other nephews and nieces in the Philippines and USA. She loved, and was loved by, them all.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Amparo Messina and Valentin Cruz and her siblings, Ven, Flor, Pepe, and Azucena.

After 10 weeks of battling lymphoma in and out of hospitals, she spent her last days at home, surrounded by her family, as she prepared for eternal rest.

“If we hold on together

I know our dreams will never die

Dreams see us through to forever

As high as souls can fly,

The clouds roll by for you and I.”

Arrangements by Cremation & Funeral Service by Gary S Silvat Inc.  Share memories and send condolences by visiting cremateohio.com.

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