Carmen Santiago Arceo
April 19, 1933 - March 14, 2022
Obituary
Carmen Arceo was born April 19, 1933 in Marikina, Philippines to Pedro and Donata Santiago. She was the seventh child of ten siblings and was the last surviving sibling at 88 years old. She leaves her two daughters, Regina Arceo-Schulz (Bryan) and Cely Sasonoff (Andre). She had seven grandchildren: Kayli Leung (Lukas), Spencer (Hailey), James Teodoro, and Reece (Schulz); Mitchell, Michael, and Matthew (Sasonoff). Recently, she became a great Lola to Milo Leung.
Carmen attended Far Eastern University and she was the only female sibling to achieve a Bachelors in Education. She met Teodoro Arceo, Jr. at Aguinaldo Company and after 11 years of knowing each other, they married on May 1, 1965.
They had big dreams for their family and sought many new adventures. Teodoro immigrated to the United States in 1968. Carmen continued to work in the Philippines while taking care of her two daughters and working on getting her Masters in Education. In 1972, she immigrated to America with her two daughters, Regina and Cely.
As a home economics teacher, she was a great seamstress. She often sewed her children’s dresses and outfits. She and Teodoro were great cooks so eating out was very rare. Fishing, clamming, oyster picking, squidding, camping, and gardening were some of their favorite past times with their children and friends. They both worked hard to provide for their children. As a testament to their faith, they sent them to Catholic schools, St George Elementary School and Kennedy Catholic High School.
In 1998, Carmen retired from the UW Dental School and Teodoro retired from Oberto. As Lolo and Lola, they spent many days going to the zoo, aquarium, Science Center, and Alki Beach with their grandchildren. They were loyal fans and spectators to many sporting events and dance recitals. Traveling to new places with friends and participating in community events were some of their retirement highlights.
She lived independently on her own since becoming a widow in 2013, until very recently. She kept herself active with the Filipino Community and International Drop – In Center (IDIC). She enjoyed doing Zumba, playing BINGO, cooking Sunday lunches, and video chatting with her friends and family on Messenger.
Having three surgeries in 2021, she overcame each adversity with grace and determination. Being a true fighter and always the optimist, she believed she would win this latest challenge as well. Unfortunately, on March 14, 2022, she fought her last battle with pneumonia. Even as the pain and suffering was too much for her 88 year old body, she still had the mental presence to let her children and grandchildren know that she had lived a long and wonderful life and was proud to have served as a great role model for them. She was strong, intelligent, kind, loving, friendly, full of wisdom and advice, a marvelous cook; she was truly a beautiful person inside and out. She will be missed but her many teachings of life, love, and family will continue to live on in the lives of generations to come.
Carmen’s service will be:
Vigil/Rosary
Wednesday March 23, 2022
Bonney Watson Washington Memorial
16445 International Boulevard
Sea Tac, Washington 98188
6:00-9:00 PM
Rosary begins at 6:30 PM
Funeral Mass
Thursday March 24,2022
St. George Church
5306 13th Ave S
Seattle, Washington 98108
10:30 AM
Reception to follow at St. Francis Hall at St. George Church
Entombment at 2:00 PM
I’ve known Mrs Arceo since I was 16 years old, since 1984.
I’ve always admired Mr and Mrs Arceo for their family values, their culture, their Faith, their food, their kindness, their generosity and let’s not forget their lenient curfew back when Cely and I were in highschool (and had big hair) and liked to go out dancing! I don’t know that Mrs Arceo had a college degree in Education and was a teacher in the Philippines. But, I do know that she raised two great girls who will carry on the strong family values that she thought them.
Regina and Cely, I love you both and I’m so sorry for the loss of your sweet mom.
Much love, Julie
Ate mameng as we fondly call you, I will always treasure in my heart all our fun memories together for many years since 1975. It was great getting to know you and mingled with you all these years. You will be miss dearly by many of us. Love you Ate and may you always Rest in Peace with our dear Lord.
Lydia & Danny Jocson
Carmen Arceo is my Aunty and Godmother. Many of my cousins are also her Godchildren and call her “Ninang”. Both Ninang Mameng and Ninong Jim are much loved by us. They, like our parents, had been role model of loving couples not only for their children but also to extended families. They successful raised two beautiful daughters, Gina and Cely, who also both have beautiful families. Ninang Mameng had a strong character and her fortitude inspired us to struggle in life for a better future. She also taught us to learn and practice the Catholic faith. Her words of wisdom, “Determination plus industry spell success.” inspired me to persevere in life and at the same time extend help to those in need, especially our family. She will be sorely missed by us all but consoled that God will reward her for all the good she did during her life. She will now be enjoying eternal life with Ninong Jim and our Lord in heaven.
Tita ninang Mameng was one of the best and a very nice tita we had in whole Santiago’s family. She was one of the most caring and compassionate women i ever knew. Thank you for being the best and coolest aunt! We are sorry for her loss! I am going to miss her! Sending my deepest sympathy to ate Cely, Ate Gina and the whole family.
Love, Libay