Help bring our Grandmother, Tomasita, home

To friends and family of Tomasita Aquino, we tragically lost my beautiful grandmother on 4/14 at 4:44am. She was visiting her hometown in the Philippines to open a store for her village where she would send merchandise and goods from the states and help aid her community. My Lola(grandma) immigrated to the states and built a life for her family that she always dreamed of having. Anyone who knew my Lola can attest to her being tough & strong but always had a soft heart at the end of the day and helped those in need.

My Lola had two daughters who unfortunately lost their way to drugs. I am the eldest of 3 being 23, my brother being 19, & my sister 10. When my sister was born we were all put in foster homes and separated. At the time my Lola was in the PI when she found out she immediately came home and did not hesitate to take us in. She did all the work to become certified as a foster parent - and then became our legal guardian. My birth mom could not take care of us, and my Lola even adopted my sister legally. She was a single parent taking care of 3 kids. She became everything to us & we became everything to her. She also left behind her biological eldest daughter who is physically & mentally disabled.

Being the eldest I am now head of the household, all the legalities have fell under me. We are now in a situation of much uncertainty when it comes to our immediate future. My Lola did not have time to write her will, and by California Law I will have to go through probate meaning I will have zero access to my Lola’s accounts for an extended and undetermined amount of time and will be required to retain a lawyer and pay expensive probate costs. Being 23 everyone is trying to give me legal advice, but I want this done right. I cannot lose the house we are in because it’s all we have left of my Lola.

Friends and family I ask that you keep our family in your prayers. We send you love & light during your grieving process as well. It warms our hearts knowing she impacted so many people. I know she is by our side every step of the way and we will prevail. She has instilled me to be a powerful strong woman but I need your support. Please consider, as a tribute to Tomasita, donating to this cause. Any amount will help ease some of the considerable financial pressure that we face. If you are unable to share, we ask that you pass this along to a friend, speak a prayer for my Lola, or even sharing your most memorable moment with her.

Our main priority atm is getting her body home where she belongs, and being able to have a beautiful and loving service for her here in the states to celebrate her life with poise and grace.