Mariel Aficial Tojino's Obituary
Celebrating the Life of Mariel Aficial Tojino
Mariel was born on October 23, 1971 in Dagupan City, Pangasinan, Philippines. Her parents migrated to the US in the mid 70’s where she resided in San Diego for most of her life. She was the eldest of 3 children (sister Michelle and brother Michael). Her parents are Elpidio Aficial and Marie Gutierrez. With her father being in the Navy, she attended several schools from Boone Elementary to Valencia Park. Then to Keiller Middle School and Bell Jr. High. Eventually bringing her to Morse High School.
After graduating, she worked as a postal carrier for many years while also moonlighting as a masseuse in her spare time. She later moved to Las Vegas and worked in real estate helping many families buy homes in both California and Las Vegas. She later returned to San Diego and continued to work in the US Postal Service. In 2009 while attending an island reggae event, she reconnected with a high school acquaintance (Arnold Tojino) who soon become her husband. They have been happily married since 2009 with 3 wonderful girls, Delaney (stepdaughter), Maleialani Aloha and Makena Angel. With the growing family, Mariel decided to put her career on hold to focus on raising the 3 girls. She became actively involved with the kids’ school and even became president of the school’s PTA. She donated her time to help the school in any capacity possible. Mariel’s kindness and compassion for helping others was evidence in all the lives that she touched. She was an entrepreneur at heart, keeping her side massage business going while actively operating her Rodan + Fields, Primerica, and Q Sciences businesses.
She was an avid photographer, loved island music and music from the 80’s and 90’s. Mariel was also a devout catholic. She enjoyed cooking, dancing Hula, spending time with the family, hiking and going to the beach.
Mariel is survived by her husband Arnold; kids Delaney, Aloha and Makena; siblings Michelle and Michael; Parents Elpidio Aficial and Marie Aficial; and in-laws Alfonso and Ymelda Tojino.
Rest in Paradise Mariel Aficial Tojino.
We love you with all our hearts!
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