Obituaries

Esperanza Eliza M. Atienza, resident of Union City for 30 years, died on Monday, December 14, 2020. She was 91. Eliza was born on March 12, 1929 in Manila, Philippines. She graduated with a degree in pharmacy, embarked on a career in pharmaceutical sales, and then took a long hiatus to raise her four children with her husband, Amado B. Atienza. They emigrated from Manila to Union City, CA in 1985, where she resumed her career as a laboratory technician for Genentech, Inc. until she retired. She enjoyed reading, traveling with her husband, discussing spirituality and the Bible, and playing the piano for her friends and family. She was a devout Catholic, a member of St. Anne’s parish in Union City, a former President of Catholic Women’s League in Manila, and a generous benefactor to many charities. The loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, and friend is survived by her children Daniel and Molly (Doyel) Atienza of Suffolk, VA, Regis and Annabelle (Lagasca) Atienza of Stockton, Eric Atienza of Union City, and Sr. Christina Atienza, OP of San Rafael; grandchildren Enrico and Shannon (Jensen), Katrina and Jimmy (Zenger), Matthew, Erin, Martin, Rebecca, and Alexis; great grandchild Winnie; brother-in-law Romeo and Edna (Villareal) Atienza; and many cousins, nephews, and nieces.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 pm on Friday, December 18, 2020 with a Vigil at 6:30 PM, Fremont Chapel of the Roses, 1940 Peralta Blvd., Fremont. A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, December 19, 2020 at 1:00 PM, St Anne's Catholic Church, 32223 Cabello Street, Union City.

Please be advised of limitations on the number of attendees due to COVID-19 and be prepared to follow safety protocols. A private family Ceremony at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Hayward will take place at a later date after cremation. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Catholic Relief Services and the American Diabetes Association.