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Zosima C. Padilla
12/19/1937 — 09/28/2004
From Kennewick, WA, US | Born in San Fernando, La Union, Philippines
Zosima C. Padilla
Zosie came to this world into the arms of her loving parents, Laureano and Antonia B. Camello of San Fernando, La Union, Philippines, on Dec 19, 1937. The youngest of 5 sisters and 2 brothers, she lost her mother at age five and was raised by her aunt Avelina Bielza in Santa, Ilocos Sur, until returning to San Fernando for high school. Zosie graduated from Christ the King College, a private school run by Belgian nuns. She earned her Masters degree in nursing from the University of Santo Tomas, the Catholic university of the Philippines, and then became the director of the in-service education program of their teaching hospital. She also taught at a local hospital school of nursing until she immigrated to the U.S. and married Andrew Padilla, Jr. of Hawaii, on August 15, 1964.
Zosie worked as a pediatric nurse at the University of Michigan Medical Center while her husband completed his PhD in chemical engineering. In Ann Arbor MI, they started a family with the birth of their daughter, May-Lin, now a chemist at Battelle, and son, Tony, a concert pianist and professor at the Lawrence University Conservatory of Music in Appleton WI.
From Michigan, Andy and Zosie moved their young family to Richland in 1969. Zosie concentrated her energy in raising the family and getting involved in the church and community. The family made the Tri-Cities their home and loved everything about the area, especially its people. In 1971, they moved briefly to Naperville, IL when her husband worked at Argonne National Laboratories, but they returned to the Tri-Cities in 1974.
Although Zosie suffered the tragic loss of her husband to cancer in 1992, after 29 years of a dream marriage, she plunged back into life with determination and courage to achieve the goals that she and Andy had set for themselves and to help their children achieve theirs. Her family and church were the focus of her life, and she considered them to be her greatest source of strength and joy. As a young mother she volunteered in their schools and led the Padilla family choir at Christ the King Church in Richland until their children left for college.
Zosie loved the helping profession and was a dedicated health-care professional for 40 years. She retired in February, 2003 from employment with the State of WA as a nurse consultant for the Department of Social and Health Services, in order to spend more time with family and friends as they traveled the world for business and pleasure. She traveled widely to attend her sons international concerts.
Her interest in music and the performing arts provided her with opportunities to volunteer her talents in various ways. She played a memorable leading role as Bloody Mary in the Richland Light Opera/Columbia Basin Colleges 1998 production of Rodgers and Hamersteins South Pacific. She seldom missed Community Concerts and Mid-Columbia Symphony performances, although she also traveled out of town to see other productions and concerts. Her love of God and the life God gave her led to her active involvement in church ministries, the American Cancer Society, Mid-Columbia Symphony, and Richland Community Concerts.
Zosie treasured the environment, hated waste, and promoted recycling and conservation. She enjoyed gardening, home decorating, and remained active in ballroom dancing. She exuded such enthusiasm, energy and exuberance that family and friends found it hard to see her fall so suddenly from a full and vibrant life upon being diagnosed with brain cancer glioblastoma muliformae in August, 2003. As part of her dedication to cancer research, she was one of the first volunteers to undergo an experimental dendritic cell vaccine treatment at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA earlier this year.
Gods gift to Zosie was her ability to touch and influence the lives of people who came in contact with her, both in her private and long professional life. She leaves behind her beloved children: son, Anthony Padilla with wife Sooyeon and their sons, Mory and Marc; daughter, May-Lin Thomas with husband Timothy and their sons, McLaughlin and A.J.; her sisters: Felicitas Taguiam of Dayton OH, Sister Maria Damasita Camello, Religious of the Virgin Mary, Philippines, Melania Agustin of Chicago IL; her brothers: Alfonso and Ignacio Camello in the Philippines; numerous nephews and nieces in the Philippines and U.S.; her closest friends of many years: Josie Wannarachue and family, Dr. Enriqueta Mayuga and family; fiancé, Bob Eggers; and many other family friends who provided tremendous support to her and her family during difficult times. Zosie is preceded in death by her parents and sister, Felipa. Zosie will be dearly missed by so many people whose lives she touched profoundly.
A rosary vigil service will be held at 7 p.m., Sunday, October 3 with viewing 1-5 p.m. at Einans Funeral Home in Richland. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Monday, October 4 at Christ the King Catholic Church, Richland, followed by a graveside service at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Memorial donations can be made in her name to the Blessed Teresa of Calcuttas Missions of Charity, 335 E. 145th St., Bronx, NY 10451. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Einans Funeral Home.
Dear May-Lin & Tony,
Zosie has been an inspirational and loving friend to the Bander family since its very early days back in the Midwest. Our families have experienced parallel paths and we will always be connected in spirit. Zosie will be missed greatly by the community, especially those she touched so deeply at Christ the King. I’m sure every time we hear “Ave Maria” sung we will all envision Zosie’s bright smiling face. I hope you and your families, as well as Zosie’s brothers & sisters, are full of gratitude for the joy-filled life Zosie experienced and shared so generously with others. I will be thinking of you both in the days ahead. Peace and love,
Vince Bander & family
Our deepest sympathies to the family of Aunt Zosi.
From the sons and daughter, and grandchildren of Macario and Luz Camello son and daughter-in-law of Geronimo Camello
RLOC performed “South Pacific” several years ago and Zosie’s children were the youngsters in the show. Recently RLOC and CBC staged this show again and Zosie played Bloody Mary. I had the extreme pleasure of playing Billis in each production and found the family and Zosie particularly to be vivacious, creative, and very enjoyable to work with. She had an admirable life and touched many people.
Tom Powers
To my cousin Tony and May-lin and family
I and my family would like to extend our condolences. We are very sorry to hear what happen to Auntie Zosing. We are one of your family here in the Philippines.
Lorna, my husband Manny and my children Bernadette, Olive, Dianne and Ian
My deepest sympathies and please extend my condolences to you and your family.
Mary Camello
on behalf of
Arnold Camello
Lucy Camello
Mariano Camello
TO: The Padilla Family
We feel fortunate to have known Mrs. Padilla and were saddened to learn of
her passing. She will long be remembered as we share your grief and send our
deepest sympathy.
Sincerely,
Dorothy and Harold Rumbolz
8000 Avenue 48 – Space 84
Indio, CA 92201
I was so sorry to hear about Zosie. I worked with her at the Mid-Columbia Mental Health Center now called Carondelet I believe. She was a nurse and I was a counselor on the In-Patient Unit. What I remember most about Zosie was her never-ending enthusiasm and postitive attitude. She was the sunshine that broke through the clouds to make a sunny day. I always knew that she would come in with a smile and leave with a smile no matter how challenging our shift had been. Her voice always had a lilt to it that was contagious. I’ll never forget the day that Andy brought Tony into the In-Patient Unit to play some music for the patients and staff on duty. Though Tony was very young, he played beautifully and Zosie beamed with pride. It was obvious that Zosie cherished her family and loved the life she had made with them. She was a good person in every sense of the word and I am thankful for having shared that time with her. My deepest condolences to May-Lin and Tony.
Nancy Harville
To May-Lin and Tony: My heart aches at your loss. I always knew your mother to bring such a spark of life to everyone around her. I remember when you first moved back to Richland after being in Illinois for a few years. I was at Mass with my mom. The music for Offertory began that’s what we called that part of the Mass back then, when suddenly my mother’s eyes fill with joy and excitement. She exclaimed, “Zosie’s back! Zosie’s back!” She could hear your mother’s gorgeous voice singing among the rest of the congregation. Zosie must have been clear across that old church, but my mother instantly recognized her voice amid the sea of other voices, and even above the choir. I was so impressed that one person’s singing could touch another person so. Later I realized that it was your mother’s presence, her heart, and her spirit that had filled my mother with such joy.
In my own singing, I have always hoped that I could leave even half the impression on someone as your mother left on me and my mother.
I remember such silly things about Zosie – like the fact that she put her wooden cutting boards in the dishwasher..and that’s why the wood wore out so much. But they were clean! I also remember how nervous she was at your wedding, May-Lin. I remember a backyard party at your house on Davidson – all the fabulous food your mother prepared, and stunning flowers shipped in from Hawaii. Zosie really knew how the throw a party in style!
Tony and May-Lin, I send you my prayers and hugs. Your mother was a beautiful, elegant, and classy lady. I know she will be greatly missed by everyone.
Love,
Gin Brouns Harrison
Albany, NY
I had the pleasure of travelling to Thailand in 1991 in the same group as Zosie. My parents, Pat and Ken Jordan, live in Richland and had come to be very fond of Zosie. I remember how vivacious, funny and full of lif she was during that trip. Her laugh was infectious. I will always have fond memories of the short period of time that I got to know Zosie.
I know through my parent’s stories how proud Zosie was of her children and how she carried herself always with grace and dignity.
May-Lynn and Tony, although I have never met you, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear May-Lin & Tony,
Zosie has been an inspirational and loving friend to the Bander family since its very early days back in the Midwest. Our families have experienced parallel paths and we will always be connected in spirit. Zosie will be missed greatly by the community, especially those she touched so deeply at Christ the King. I’m sure every time we hear “Ave Maria” sung we will all envision Zosie’s bright smiling face. I hope you and your families, as well as Zosie’s brothers & sisters, are full of gratitude for the joy-filled life Zosie experienced and shared so generously with others. I will be thinking of you both in the days ahead. Peace and love,
Vince Bander & family
Our deepest sympathies to the family of Aunt Zosi.
From the sons and daughter, and grandchildren of Macario and Luz Camello son and daughter-in-law of Geronimo Camello
RLOC performed “South Pacific” several years ago and Zosie’s children were the youngsters in the show. Recently RLOC and CBC staged this show again and Zosie played Bloody Mary. I had the extreme pleasure of playing Billis in each production and found the family and Zosie particularly to be vivacious, creative, and very enjoyable to work with. She had an admirable life and touched many people.
Tom Powers
To my cousin Tony and May-lin and family
I and my family would like to extend our condolences. We are very sorry to hear what happen to Auntie Zosing. We are one of your family here in the Philippines.
Lorna, my husband Manny and my children Bernadette, Olive, Dianne and Ian
My deepest sympathies and please extend my condolences to you and your family.
Mary Camello
on behalf of
Arnold Camello
Lucy Camello
Mariano Camello
TO: The Padilla Family
We feel fortunate to have known Mrs. Padilla and were saddened to learn of
her passing. She will long be remembered as we share your grief and send our
deepest sympathy.
Sincerely,
Dorothy and Harold Rumbolz
8000 Avenue 48 – Space 84
Indio, CA 92201
I was so sorry to hear about Zosie. I worked with her at the Mid-Columbia Mental Health Center now called Carondelet I believe. She was a nurse and I was a counselor on the In-Patient Unit. What I remember most about Zosie was her never-ending enthusiasm and postitive attitude. She was the sunshine that broke through the clouds to make a sunny day. I always knew that she would come in with a smile and leave with a smile no matter how challenging our shift had been. Her voice always had a lilt to it that was contagious. I’ll never forget the day that Andy brought Tony into the In-Patient Unit to play some music for the patients and staff on duty. Though Tony was very young, he played beautifully and Zosie beamed with pride. It was obvious that Zosie cherished her family and loved the life she had made with them. She was a good person in every sense of the word and I am thankful for having shared that time with her. My deepest condolences to May-Lin and Tony.
Nancy Harville
To May-Lin and Tony: My heart aches at your loss. I always knew your mother to bring such a spark of life to everyone around her. I remember when you first moved back to Richland after being in Illinois for a few years. I was at Mass with my mom. The music for Offertory began that’s what we called that part of the Mass back then, when suddenly my mother’s eyes fill with joy and excitement. She exclaimed, “Zosie’s back! Zosie’s back!” She could hear your mother’s gorgeous voice singing among the rest of the congregation. Zosie must have been clear across that old church, but my mother instantly recognized her voice amid the sea of other voices, and even above the choir. I was so impressed that one person’s singing could touch another person so. Later I realized that it was your mother’s presence, her heart, and her spirit that had filled my mother with such joy.
In my own singing, I have always hoped that I could leave even half the impression on someone as your mother left on me and my mother.
I remember such silly things about Zosie – like the fact that she put her wooden cutting boards in the dishwasher..and that’s why the wood wore out so much. But they were clean! I also remember how nervous she was at your wedding, May-Lin. I remember a backyard party at your house on Davidson – all the fabulous food your mother prepared, and stunning flowers shipped in from Hawaii. Zosie really knew how the throw a party in style!
Tony and May-Lin, I send you my prayers and hugs. Your mother was a beautiful, elegant, and classy lady. I know she will be greatly missed by everyone.
Love,
Gin Brouns Harrison
Albany, NY
I had the pleasure of travelling to Thailand in 1991 in the same group as Zosie. My parents, Pat and Ken Jordan, live in Richland and had come to be very fond of Zosie. I remember how vivacious, funny and full of lif she was during that trip. Her laugh was infectious. I will always have fond memories of the short period of time that I got to know Zosie.
I know through my parent’s stories how proud Zosie was of her children and how she carried herself always with grace and dignity.
May-Lynn and Tony, although I have never met you, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
We offer our condolences and will miss Zosie’s cheerfulness and exuberance on the dance floor and those special times we went out to dinner with her and Bob.
TO: Tony and Family, Maylin and Family, and to the sisters and brothers of Auntie Zosie.
Please accept our deepest sympathy and condolences. We will always remember our Dear Auntie Zosie. We always knew her as a very cheerful and lively person, and she will be missed.
Love from …
Gloria Ducusin Camello De Leon AND Tito De Leon
Dear May-Lin and Tony,
We extend our sympathy for the passing of your dear mother, Zosie.
We knew your mother years ago when you and our children went to Christ the King School at the same time.
We always knew her to be very friendly and a very involved person. She loved you both dearly and was always so proud of your accomplishments.
She will be missed.
Sincerely, Mel and Lynn Wicks
Zosie will be remembered for her kindness, her warm smile, and for being a dedicated wife and mother. She was one of a kind. My thoughts and prayers to May-Lin, Tony, and their families.
To Tony and May-lyn and families, Our deepest condolences and prayers are with you. God Bless. Auntie Zosie was a wonderful and vibrant person and will be missed so much by all.
Zosie was the love of my life. I believe our spiritual relationship can go on in the future, even though she has passed on. I wish everyone a long memory of sweet Zosie and the special quality and measure of life she brought to our world.
Guestbook for
Zosima C. Padilla