April 9, 1926 – October 4, 2017
Resident of Watsonville
Apolonia “Maria” Madolora passed away in her sleep October 4 at her son’s home after a long battle with Dementia/Alzheimers Disease. Born in Baccara Ilocos Norte Province, Philippines she immigrated in 1957 with her 5-year-old son Francisco to be reunited with her husband Santiago, who was unable to bring them to the US after their marriage and the birth of their son. They settled into Watsonville and had a daughter Veronica in 1958.
Apolonia worked in agriculture starting with picking strawberries and eventually in local canneries. She would often work in the fields during the day and the canneries at night. She felt limited having only finished the second grade in school. She impressed upon her children the importance of education and helped them get their college degrees. She also helped fund college educations for her four granddaughters.
Apolonia was a pioneer whose accomplishment will not appear in any history book. For some they may seem trivial. However for a poor woman of color with little education her accomplishments are impressive. She bought herself a car, learned how to drive, drove to night school, took classes, learned English and US Government to become a naturalized American citizen.
With her husband Santiago, who too was a farm laborer with no more than a first grade education, they built a house in Pajaro in 1961. When Santiago passed away in 1976 she sold their house and bought a house in Watsonville to live next door to her sister Lucia Baronia and her family. Through the years, Santiago and Apolonia sponsored their siblings to immigrate to the US. Santiago brought over his brother Mariano Madolora who has since passed away. In addition to Lucia, Apolonia brought over her brother Eusebio Sagaysay, and another sister Filomena Sagaysay. Filomena moved in and lived with her until she died in 2010.
Apolonia worked in the canneries until the Cannery Strike. She spoke proudly of walking the picket lines and standing up for her rights. After the canneries she began working as a homecare provider for the county In-Home Supportive. Known as “Maria” by her elderly and disabled clients. She worked hard providing them quality compassionate care until she retired 20 years later.
In retirement, Apolonia enjoyed working in her yard, going on walks, chatting with neighbors, friends and passersby, going to family gatherings and an occasional gambling trip. After she was diagnosed with Dementia, Senior Network Services provided a variety of services to keep her safe at home, including referring caregiver Gina Vargas who provided loving care until the very end. Apolonia was a devout Catholic who attended Valley Catholic Church regularly before her condition declined. She was a member of the Filipino Catholic Association and the Filipino Community of Watsonville.
Apolonia is survived by her son Frank, his spouse Diana, their daughters Leslie Gilmore, her spouse Brian and their sons Bryce and Cam; Leanna Madolora and her significant other Jonathan Gervais, both of whom lived with and cared for her near the end of her life. She is also survived by her daughter, Veronica Roelofs, her spouse Greg, their daughters Lyra and Delenn. Apolonia’s sister Lucia Baronia, her son Tony, his wife Michele, their son Brenden and daughter Shelby; brother Eusebio Sagaysay, his wife Gudencia, their daughter Christy and her family and sister-in-law Nelly Madolora, her daughter Dinah, son Davis and their respective families.
Apolonia will be available for viewing at Mehl’s Colonial Chapel beginning at 3 pm Sunday, Oct. 15 until the Rosary at 7 pm. Services will be at Valley Catholic Church at 10 am Monday, Oct. 16 followed by the burial.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memory of Apolonia Madolora be sent to Senior Network Services 1777-A Capitola Road Santa Cruz CA 95062.
