Milagros Lagasca Crisostomo
Milagros Lagasca Crisostomo; loved, admired and respected by many passed onward on April 29, 2023.
Born: October 31,1925 as: Milagros Elizabeth Garcia Lagasca in Piddig, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. Mila was the second child of: Felix and Juanita Lagasca.
Her sisters and brothers in order of birth were Ursula, Higino, Juanito, Felix Jr., Luzviminda, Modesto, and Concepcion. There were two other siblings, one died at birth and the other early in childhood.
Mila graduated from Roosevelt High School where she played on the baseball team and ran track. She survived the Japanese occupation during World War Two, but during that time she lost her father. After the war her mother moved the family to Quezon City. She continued her education at Far Eastern University where she earned her Education degree.
In 1954 she married Felix Sable Crisostomo. 1955, Mila immigrated to Santa Barbara, California and in 1956 gave birth to her only child, Manuel John. She had worked at Ott’s and Robinson’s Department Stores, the Biltmore Hotel and finally at Josten’s where she retired. In Santa Barbara, she grew her reputation as a source for help and trustworthy advice within the Filipino community.
Mom was very active in so many Filipino organizations in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties, most notably the Filipino Community Association of Santa Barbara, Filipino Community of Goleta and Santa Barbara, Ventura County Seniors and her high school alumni group; Piddig Rooseveltians USA (PRUSA). She was also a member of the Our lady of Guadalupe Altar Society and Our Lady of Guadalupe School PTA.
Mom lived a long, active, loving and wonderful life. She has touched and influenced many lives directly or indirectly. She is survived by her son Manuel and daughter-in-law Evelyn, brother; Felix, Jr. and sister ; Luz, and a large number of nephews, nieces, grandnephews and grandnieces. She was the mother lioness of the pride and will be missed by all.
Visitation for Mila will be at Welch-Ryce-Haider on Thursday, May 4 at 5:00 pm followed by the Rosary at 6:00 pm. Mass will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe on Friday, May 5, at 9:00 am followed by burial at Santa Barbara Cemetery.