Cresenciana Calderon

Cresenciana Cunanan Calderon, affectionately called "Nene" by family and friends, was born in 1945 to Melchor and Rufina Cunanan in Samal, Bataan province, Philippines. As the second eldest and only daughter of six siblings—Modesto "Mody," Pepito "Peping," Ponciano “Ponce,” Rolando "Rolly," and Leoncio "Louie"—she grew up surrounded by a large extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She graduated from the University of Santo Tomas in Manila with a degree in nutrition in 1965. Cresenciana met Jose "Pepe" Calderon through her Uncle Johnny when she was learning how to type on a typewriter at a company where Jose was employed in Olongapo City, Zambales. Jose humorously claimed she was more interested in him being her "type" than in learning to type. They married in June of 1971, earning the endearing couple’s nickname, "Pepe and Nene."

In 1977, Cresenciana, with their three young children, left for the United States joining Jose who went two years earlier to prepare for their move to Utah. She was a homemaker while Jose began his career as a civil engineer for Salt Lake City. After the birth of their fourth child in 1982, she began working at BD Medical in Sandy, Utah where she would eventually stay for over 20 years. As each child graduated college, they were proud of their children’s achievements; Joel served in military, Jean-Margarett “Jing-Jing” an IT professional, Julius an engineer, and Joseph in film and finance, and watched their families grow.

Despite the physical distance, Cresenciana remained close with her family and friends in the Philippines and throughout the world, especially with her aunts and cousins. She also forged deep connections with Jose’s family in the US, including his cousin’s family in Ogden, Utah and his family in California.

With her fun-loving husband and family, Cresenciana explored North America, Europe, and Asia. She and cousin Maria “Malou” often visited one another and were frequent travel companions. As avid gardeners, she and Jose annually tended to an abundant garden of flowers, vegetables, and fruit trees, generously sharing their harvest with neighbors and friends and finding pleasure in providing floral arrangements for church services. Renowned for her excellent culinary skills, nothing brought her more pleasure than cooking and baking for loved ones. As a devout Roman Catholic, Cresenciana enjoyed weekly services and being part of their local parish. She and Jose were also active members of the tight-knit Filipino community in Utah, forming lasting bonds with others who shared similar journeys.

The couple supported each other through life’s challenges, including the heartbreaking loss of their first granddaughter in 2009 and their eldest son, Joel, in 2014. Diagnosed with late-stage ovarian cancer in 2015, Cresenciana endured aggressive treatments with quiet courage and strength, and successfully recovered. She returned to living a full life, spending her remaining years enjoying many precious family moments, especially with her grandchildren. In her last few years, she battled chronic illnesses, but her devoted and beloved Pepe, who never stopped making her laugh, remained by her side throughout their 52-year marriage. They were each other’s great love and true partners in life. Cresenciana passed away in their home in Sandy, Utah, on January 26, 2024.

Cresenciana was a brave, sweet, and gentle soul who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband Jose, children, Jean-Margarett, Julius (Astra), Joseph, grandson Brock, granddaughter Amelia, brother Ponciano, brother Leoncio, sisters-in-law, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceded in death by her father Melchor, mother Rufina, brothers Modesto, Pepito, Rolando, son Joel, granddaughter Teresa, sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A visitation is scheduled for Thursday, February 8, 2024, at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy, UT from 6:00 to 8:00pm with a Rosary Service beginning at 7:30 PM. Vigil is on Friday, February 9, at 10:00 AM, followed by the Funeral Mass and service at 11:00 AM at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 9757 S 1700 E, Sandy, UT 84092. Interment at Larkin Sunset Gardens will be followed by a light luncheon at Blessed Sacrament.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Philippines Humanitarian (philippineshumanitarian.org, 124 S 400 E, Ste 400, Salt Lake City, UT 84111).