Connie Directo Della's Obituary
Connie Directo Della passed away peacefully at the age of 99.6 on July 11, 2024 at home in San Diego, CA, surrounded by loved ones. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and beloved Auntie Connie. She was faithful to God and was a parishioner of St. Jude Shrine of the West Parish for 71 years.
Connie Directo Della was born in Silag, Santa Maria, Ilocus Sur, Philippines to Veronica Ilog and Narciso Directo. She was the youngest of 9 children. She survived World War II in the Philippines. She left the farm life of the province to study in Baguio and Manila.
She married Quintin Tablang Della on May 23, 1953 in Manila, Philippines. She was 28 and Quintin was 44 (17 year age difference). She boarded the S.S. President Cleveland for a 30 day voyage to California and arrived in November 1953. The married couple settled in San Diego, CA. In 1953 the couple built a close community with filipino immigrants to retain their rich filipino culture. Connie began having children with her first born daughter Miriam in 1956, 13 months later Nancy was born in 1957, 4 years later their first son Bryant was born in 1961 and 8 yrs later the “oops” baby Patrick was born in 1969 (dad was 60 and mom was 45). In 1965 Connie became a proud United States Citizen. Connie was a skilled seamstress and worked for Ratner Textile Factory sewing mens suits. She retired in 1992 after 33 years at the age of 68. She enjoyed the comraderie and made long time friendships during her career at Ratner.
In the 60’s she supported and petitioned family members to immigrate to the USA for a better life. The couple’s home became the ‘Welcome” center for extended family members arriving in the USA. She enjoyed years together with her 6 siblings and their families in San Diego, CA. Connie looked forward to the Annual Directo Family Reunions that were held for 30 years.
After retirement she enjoyed traveling to her birthplace in Silag, Sta. Maria, PI. She traveled with her family to Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe, US West Coast, Canada, Cancun, Mexico, Texas, Washington DC, New York and Hawaii. Connie gave great advice on all matters of life including the “importance of education” and “dating”. When she became a grandmother she helped raise her grandchildren. Connie enjoyed going to the local casinos. Connie shared her filipino cuisine with her family. Her favorite filipino dishes to prepare were leche flan, dinuguan, chicken adobo, pancit, chicken with marungay, pinakbet and ensemada. Her family will continue to prepare these dishes in her memory.
Connie Directo Della is preceded in death by her husband Quintin Tablang Della. They were married for 43 years until his death on March 18, 1996. They will be joined together in eternal life in heaven after 28 years without him on earth. She is survived by daughters Miriam (David), Nancy, sons Bryant (Lisa), Patrick (Leticia), grandchildren Mark, Dominic (Kiela), Joe (Hayley), Melanie, Jessica (Eric), Danika (Cody), Dylan, Quintin, Matthew, Branden, Breanna, Jessica, Kathryn, great-grandchildren Deja, Kaiel, Malaya, Cailin, Rey, Marlena, Layla, Kaylin, Taylor, Leah, Jenna, Natalie Mae, Eli Bruno, Kamea, Kalani and beloved nephews, nieces (grand and great). Connie will be remembered for her strong faith in God, love of family and friends, her generosity and kindness. May she now have Eternal Rest in the loving arms of our Heavenly Father until we meet again.
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