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Zenaida Fontanilla aka “Zeny” was born and raised in Paing, Bantay Ilocos Sur on March 7, 1961. She completed her college education at University of Northern Philippines. She had her first formal job as a secretary with Hanil, a Korean corporation based in Ilocos Sur, juggled with her role as a mentor to her sisters. She took over farming, the family’s way of living while going to college. She managed, guided and cared for her younger siblings, including her nieces and nephews when her older brother left to USA to join their parents. She was a great leader and a role model in our community and revived the Fontanilla Youth Civic Action Program. She immigrated to USA on July 8, 1990. her first form of employment was that of a farm laborer in the grape vineyards of the central San Joaquin valley .after about one month her ambition drove her togain employment at Gotschalks distribution center.. She was awarded because of her excellent work several times. She transitioned to different jobs and easily employed without gaps, she was never the type to sit around and enjoy legitimate benefits from unemployment. Work gave her a great sense of fulfillment and dignity and when one door closed she joyfully danced to the next one that opened. Her most recent place of employment was at the Mission Bell Winery, where she experienced a sense of happiness and fulfillment. She was very much involved with several organizations: the Filipino Women’s club of Fresno Filipino American Association of Fresno and vicinity, Bantay Ilocos Sur Association of Norther California. She will be missed by all of the officers and members. She was greatly involved with her parish and had a great faith and lived that faith with acts of charity in whatever way she could, especially addressing the needs of the poor. Zeny is survived by her parents: Santiago and Adelaida Fontanilla, her siblings: Santiago Jr., Cornelia, Franklin, Medelina, Helen, Mechora, Cholet, Lovy and Minda. Zeny is loved by many nieces, nephews cousins, relatives and friends all over the world Zeny, your beautiful smile, happy disposition, authentic love, generosity, faithfulness will be engraved in our hearts forever. Visitation will be held at Chapel of the Light Funeral Home on Friday, April 9, 2021 at 8:30 a.m. tp 10:00 a.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Joachim Catholic Church on Friday, April 9, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Madera.

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Zenaida Ramos Fontanilla

March 7, 1961 - January 14, 2021