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Forever in the Hearts They Leave Behind

Cecilia Dunuan Bernardo

July 18, 1939 – April 24, 2023


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Cecilia Dunuan Bernardo was born on July 18, 1939, to Manuel Dunuan, Sr., and Maria Donato Dunuan.  She was the second eldest of 10 brothers and sisters. Her family grew up in the Mountain Province of Ifugao, near the majestic Banaue Rice Terraces, in the capital city of Lagawe.

Cecilia attended Don Bosco High School, followed by Baguio General Hospital, School of Nursing, where she graduated in 1963. She started her nursing career with the Philippine National Red Cross, during which she learned of a new nursing program that would take her to the United States in 1964.

In the U.S., she worked at Margaret Hague Maternity Hospital in Jersey City until the facility closed in 1979. She then transferred to the Pollack Nursing Home, also in Jersey City, where she retired as the Assistant Director of Nursing in 2000.

Cecilia’s successful nursing career inspired multitudes of other Filipinas to follow in her footsteps, all of whom were part of the massive wave of approximately 150,000 Filipino nurses who have migrated to the U.S. since 1960. Today, one out of every 20 Registered Nurses in the U.S. were trained in the Philippines.

On March 6, 1966, Cecilia first dated her husband, Celino Bernardo, then enlisted in the US Navy – despite warnings from a cousin to never date a sailor.”

Their first dates included dinner at Canton restaurant in Jersey City, followed by movies, such as Dr. Zhivago”, My Fair Lady”, and The Sound of Music” at the nearby Loews theater. On one of these early outings, Celino reached for her hand but first paused to place a handkerchief in between the pairing. Cecilia was charmed.  Celino confessed years later, I did that because I was so nervous. My hand was sweating.”

In the summer of 1966, Celino learned that he was shipping out to sea for several months. Before he left, he surprised Cecilia by asking her to marry him. She surprised him right back by saying yes.

With only three weeks before Celinos deployment, Cecilia put together the entire ceremony from finding her wedding dress, to connecting with the monsignor of St. Johns Church in Jersey City where they wed, to putting together their reception where a hundred friends gathered to celebrate their leap of faith.

Thankfully, their faiths were rewarded as Celino returned to the U.S. in December of 1966. In September of 1967, their first son, Joel, was born. This was followed by their second son, John, in April of 1970.

Cecilia helped her younger siblings get educated and start their own successful careers. She sponsored three of her sisters – Beng, Tess, and Grace – bringing them to the US to live with her in her Jersey City home, each for years at a time. They were welcomed to stay as long as they needed to get situated and gain employment. Her sisters each chose careers in the medical industry like their Manang Cecilia.

Her sisters, in turn, sponsored their younger cousins and brought them to the US, resulting in over a dozen Dunuan families, over 50 direct relatives total, growing and prospering across the country, all due to Cecilia.

In 2000, after 35+ years of working as a Registered Nurse helping countless Jersey City families, Cecilia retired, blissfully transitioning to the role of Lola” to her five grandchildren — Serina and Isaih, born to Joel and Nancy Bernardo; and Trajan, Kai, and Ronin, born to John and Charmane Bernardo.  On those days the old house was full of laughter and joy.

In 2014, Celino and Cecilia moved to Queen Creek, Arizona. In their new home the parade of family visited often and the gatherings for meals, singing, and telling stories continued. They became generous hosts to countless summer and holiday vacations, with Cecilia always in the caretaker role, making sure everyone was ok before she would ever take a seat to rest.

Cecilia Dunuan Bernardo was a woman of modest upbringing who became rich with fulfillment by dedicating her life to helping others. It was this purpose of service, particularly to her family, that filled her life with color and warmth.  FAMILY FIRST AND FOREMOST.

She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones, on April 24, 2023, at the age of 83.

Cecilia is survived by her husband, Celino; her two children, Joel and John; and her five grandchildren, Serina, Trajan, Isaih, Kai, and Ronin.

A viewing will be held on May 17, 2023, from 2pm-6pm at Santan Mountain View Funeral Home and Advance Planning Center – 21809 S Ellsworth Road. Queen Creek. AZ. 85142. Her memorial mass will be on May 18, 2023, 9am, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church — 20615 E Ocotillo Road. Queen Creek. AZ. 85142. Burial services will be on the same day, 12pm, at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona — 23029 N Cave Creek Road. Phoenix. AZ. 85024.

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  1. Tess Dunuan says:

    Our heartfelt Condolences to Kuya Jun, Joel, John, Sheree, Ina, Trajan, Isaih, Kai & Ronin🙏💜🙏!
    Our Sister, Cecilia Dunuan Bernardo was “THE ONE” who transformed the positive trajectory of the Dunuan Clan. We are here today because of her. We are thriving. She may be gone but she will stay in our hearts, our grateful hearts forever!
    Rest In Eternal Peace, our beautiful Manang Cely. We love & miss you so much🙏💜🙏!

  2. Juvelyn says:

    Sending all our love, our thoughts and prayers are with you always.
    May the Lord provide comfort through this difficult times.
    We love you!

    – Juvelyn, Evelyn and the whole Bernardo Family from the Philippines

  3. Albert, Ludi from Canada and Philippines says:

    Our deepest condolence Diko Jun, Joseph, John and kids. My Ate Cecile rest in peace.

  4. Tocyap family says:

    Our love, prayers and condolences to Kuya Jun, Joel and John. We will always remember Manang Cely’s love of family and serve as our guide as we continue our life’s journey. Love you all and always remember that we are here for you.

  5. Lito and Lillian (Tocyap) Aquino says:

    To our super Aunt Cely who was also our Ninang during our wedding – THANK YOU and we pray for your eternal rest in heaven! You had been a formidable pillar in our family! Our heartfelt condolences to Uncle Jun, Kuya Joel, Diko John, Sheree, Ina, Trajan, Isaih, Kai & Ronin and to our Dunuan family. Hagiyo! 🙏🏻❤️

  6. Bong,Josie ,Joselle,Bon and Jong Abuan says:

    Our prayers ,love and condolences to Uncle Jun and the Bernardo family.Thank you Auntie Cely for all you’ve done to the family,being a good shepherd of the Lord here on earth.May we emulate your good deeds and be good shepherds of the Lord as well and continue your legacy that Family is first and foremost…Always Love one another!Rest now in eternal peace in our God’s kingdom auntie 🙏

  7. Kate Fagyan says:

    May Cecilia’s soul rest in peace.
    My deepest condolences goes to the bereaved family and relatives.

  8. Kate Fagyan says:

    May Cecilia’s soul rest in peace. 🙏
    My deepest condolences goes to the bereaved family and relatives.

  9. Grace Dunuan- Ibe says:

    Cecilia was my second Mom and most definitely my SUPERPOWER sister who did it all with grace. She showed me to be humble and see how important we can become and see how much difference we can make in the lives of others. She didn’t ask anything but ensure to pay forward to our families in need. But most of all to value our family roots and respect our Ifugao culture with passion!

  10. Chris Mele says:

    Deepest sympathy to the Dunuan Bernardo family

  11. Vic ARAHAN, Vernice and Darienne says:

    Our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Dunuan and Bernardo Families, may you find peace and consolation in your hearts, knowing that Ate Cecille is in a better place now!!! May her soul Rest in Peace!!!🙏🙏🙏

  12. Mydee says:

    To Sis Josie, Brod Bong and family,
    Sending our heartfelt condolences and prayers during this difficult times. Sorry for the loss of your aunt. Prayers for her eternal rest. May she rest in peace🙏✝️☮️💐
    Mydee and Jorge

  13. Leny Isidro-Cristobal says:

    May 17, 2023, 11: 49 PM
    CECILIA DUNUAN BERNARDO
    There is a Heaven for Eternal Rest and its door is wide opened and waiting for our dear Ate Cecil.
    May the Angels that accompany you in life now bring you to the everlasting glory of heaven.
    Prayers and Hugs to Kuya Cel and family in this time of Blessed sorrow.
    Loving you…
    Leny and Max Cristobal

  14. Jackie Gabbamonte says:

    From Jackie
    I remember Auntie for 😂 her kindness …genuinely Kind!

  15. Josie Gallman says:

    From Josie G
    She inspired me to dream big and see the world. Life is not only Lagawe which is very true. Her love, care and assistance to us nieces and nephews. Very helpful heal hi auntie tau to the whole clan and so to our kababayans in America. An example is my batch mate Tining Buyog she inspired her to pass the requirements to become a US nurse.
    Neverending generosity, so blessed to know and be related to her. Of course, she was able to do all those things with uncle Jun’s support peman 😍 Rest peacefully auntie Cely until we meet again.

  16. Laxamee Gamduton says:

    The one that stuck in me is this good advise from Auntie Cely before coming to America, she said when u come to America dont expect that all people are well to do, there are also poor people like the homeless, drug addicts, and other out cast of society.
    These people come to the hospital too either they are sick or just to have refuge, be patient, never argue, give them care as compassionate as u can, these are the reasons you are going to America
    This is the advise that I always think when I encounter with difficult pts.
    She also said try to improve your life be it financial or family wise don’t repeat what your parents do strive to be a better version of them..

  17. Pamela Dunuan says:

    to study study study..she had very few words for me and when I worked at SM cinema as a ticket seller..looks likes she had known about it and she told me that she helped me to be a nurse and what am I doing? then she told me to get out from my present job..from then on I focused on nursing till I came over..

  18. Don Valdez says:

    When I see Jack grow up and think about the life he and my daughter will have, I know this isn’t possible without Grandma Cecil. Nor are the lives of my mother and me. I owe my accomplishments to her sacrifices and her courage to break ground in the US for our family.
    Grandma was always so kind and loving with me and the main thing I will remember is how she made me feel when I was around her- whole, complete, strong enough to be the person I’m meant to be. As the “third” Bernardo son, I don’t feel that for this Mothers Day (2023). I will always love her and my children and their children will know who Grandma is.

  19. Geoff Ibe says:

    My favorite memory is grandma coming over when Teagan was just born. She would hold her and have the magic touch and put her to sleep… and also got Tina a house warming gift and got her a jade Thai tea set but she’s korean 😅
    But she’s korean and catholic lol

  20. Bong Abuan says:

    Very helpful to the family and we owe to her our success and current status in life
    Family First!
    Thank you auntie!

  21. Dek Ibe says:

    I think growing up whenever ijay, JJ, and I would be at family parties, she would always make sure we’re doing okay or yelling at us because we’re being makulit 😂 but always gave us good advice as we continues to get older.

  22. Benjie Abuan says:

    I do remember her as a very kind hearted & a generous aunt. She helped me a lot during my college time, financial & moral support. She never get tired giving advices. I will always remember & cherish her time with us. Rest in peace our loving aunt.

  23. Racheal says:

    Aunt Cecile you paved the way thank you for your love and Generosity, Rest in Peace I love you .

  24. Tayin Cruz-Sarmiento says:

    Our family is keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers. May her soul rest in peace 🙏
    Love from CRUZ family

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Cecilia Dunuan Bernardo

July 18, 1939 – April 24, 2023


Share Obituary:

Send Flowers Print Obituary

Cecilia Dunuan Bernardo was born on July 18, 1939, to Manuel Dunuan, Sr., and Maria Donato Dunuan.  She was the second eldest of 10 brothers and sisters. Her family grew up in the Mountain Province of Ifugao, near the majestic Banaue Rice Terraces, in the capital city of Lagawe.

Cecilia attended Don Bosco High School, followed by Baguio General Hospital, School of Nursing, where she graduated in 1963. She started her nursing career with the Philippine National Red Cross, during which she learned of a new nursing program that would take her to the United States in 1964.

In the U.S., she worked at Margaret Hague Maternity Hospital in Jersey City until the facility closed in 1979. She then transferred to the Pollack Nursing Home, also in Jersey City, where she retired as the Assistant Director of Nursing in 2000.

Cecilia’s successful nursing career inspired multitudes of other Filipinas to follow in her footsteps, all of whom were part of the massive wave of approximately 150,000 Filipino nurses who have migrated to the U.S. since 1960. Today, one out of every 20 Registered Nurses in the U.S. were trained in the Philippines.

On March 6, 1966, Cecilia first dated her husband, Celino Bernardo, then enlisted in the US Navy – despite warnings from a cousin to never date a sailor.”

Their first dates included dinner at Canton restaurant in Jersey City, followed by movies, such as Dr. Zhivago”, My Fair Lady”, and The Sound of Music” at the nearby Loews theater. On one of these early outings, Celino reached for her hand but first paused to place a handkerchief in between the pairing. Cecilia was charmed.  Celino confessed years later, I did that because I was so nervous. My hand was sweating.”

In the summer of 1966, Celino learned that he was shipping out to sea for several months. Before he left, he surprised Cecilia by asking her to marry him. She surprised him right back by saying yes.

With only three weeks before Celinos deployment, Cecilia put together the entire ceremony from finding her wedding dress, to connecting with the monsignor of St. Johns Church in Jersey City where they wed, to putting together their reception where a hundred friends gathered to celebrate their leap of faith.

Thankfully, their faiths were rewarded as Celino returned to the U.S. in December of 1966. In September of 1967, their first son, Joel, was born. This was followed by their second son, John, in April of 1970.

Cecilia helped her younger siblings get educated and start their own successful careers. She sponsored three of her sisters – Beng, Tess, and Grace – bringing them to the US to live with her in her Jersey City home, each for years at a time. They were welcomed to stay as long as they needed to get situated and gain employment. Her sisters each chose careers in the medical industry like their Manang Cecilia.

Her sisters, in turn, sponsored their younger cousins and brought them to the US, resulting in over a dozen Dunuan families, over 50 direct relatives total, growing and prospering across the country, all due to Cecilia.

In 2000, after 35+ years of working as a Registered Nurse helping countless Jersey City families, Cecilia retired, blissfully transitioning to the role of Lola” to her five grandchildren — Serina and Isaih, born to Joel and Nancy Bernardo; and Trajan, Kai, and Ronin, born to John and Charmane Bernardo.  On those days the old house was full of laughter and joy.

In 2014, Celino and Cecilia moved to Queen Creek, Arizona. In their new home the parade of family visited often and the gatherings for meals, singing, and telling stories continued. They became generous hosts to countless summer and holiday vacations, with Cecilia always in the caretaker role, making sure everyone was ok before she would ever take a seat to rest.

Cecilia Dunuan Bernardo was a woman of modest upbringing who became rich with fulfillment by dedicating her life to helping others. It was this purpose of service, particularly to her family, that filled her life with color and warmth.  FAMILY FIRST AND FOREMOST.

She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones, on April 24, 2023, at the age of 83.

Cecilia is survived by her husband, Celino; her two children, Joel and John; and her five grandchildren, Serina, Trajan, Isaih, Kai, and Ronin.

A viewing will be held on May 17, 2023, from 2pm-6pm at Santan Mountain View Funeral Home and Advance Planning Center – 21809 S Ellsworth Road. Queen Creek. AZ. 85142. Her memorial mass will be on May 18, 2023, 9am, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church — 20615 E Ocotillo Road. Queen Creek. AZ. 85142. Burial services will be on the same day, 12pm, at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona — 23029 N Cave Creek Road. Phoenix. AZ. 85024.

Share Obituary:

Send Flowers Print Obituary
  1. Tess Dunuan says:

    Our heartfelt Condolences to Kuya Jun, Joel, John, Sheree, Ina, Trajan, Isaih, Kai & Ronin🙏💜🙏!
    Our Sister, Cecilia Dunuan Bernardo was “THE ONE” who transformed the positive trajectory of the Dunuan Clan. We are here today because of her. We are thriving. She may be gone but she will stay in our hearts, our grateful hearts forever!
    Rest In Eternal Peace, our beautiful Manang Cely. We love & miss you so much🙏💜🙏!

  2. Juvelyn says:

    Sending all our love, our thoughts and prayers are with you always.
    May the Lord provide comfort through this difficult times.
    We love you!

    – Juvelyn, Evelyn and the whole Bernardo Family from the Philippines

  3. Albert, Ludi from Canada and Philippines says:

    Our deepest condolence Diko Jun, Joseph, John and kids. My Ate Cecile rest in peace.

  4. Tocyap family says:

    Our love, prayers and condolences to Kuya Jun, Joel and John. We will always remember Manang Cely’s love of family and serve as our guide as we continue our life’s journey. Love you all and always remember that we are here for you.

  5. Lito and Lillian (Tocyap) Aquino says:

    To our super Aunt Cely who was also our Ninang during our wedding – THANK YOU and we pray for your eternal rest in heaven! You had been a formidable pillar in our family! Our heartfelt condolences to Uncle Jun, Kuya Joel, Diko John, Sheree, Ina, Trajan, Isaih, Kai & Ronin and to our Dunuan family. Hagiyo! 🙏🏻❤️

  6. Bong,Josie ,Joselle,Bon and Jong Abuan says:

    Our prayers ,love and condolences to Uncle Jun and the Bernardo family.Thank you Auntie Cely for all you’ve done to the family,being a good shepherd of the Lord here on earth.May we emulate your good deeds and be good shepherds of the Lord as well and continue your legacy that Family is first and foremost…Always Love one another!Rest now in eternal peace in our God’s kingdom auntie 🙏

  7. Kate Fagyan says:

    May Cecilia’s soul rest in peace.
    My deepest condolences goes to the bereaved family and relatives.

  8. Kate Fagyan says:

    May Cecilia’s soul rest in peace. 🙏
    My deepest condolences goes to the bereaved family and relatives.

  9. Grace Dunuan- Ibe says:

    Cecilia was my second Mom and most definitely my SUPERPOWER sister who did it all with grace. She showed me to be humble and see how important we can become and see how much difference we can make in the lives of others. She didn’t ask anything but ensure to pay forward to our families in need. But most of all to value our family roots and respect our Ifugao culture with passion!

  10. Chris Mele says:

    Deepest sympathy to the Dunuan Bernardo family

  11. Vic ARAHAN, Vernice and Darienne says:

    Our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Dunuan and Bernardo Families, may you find peace and consolation in your hearts, knowing that Ate Cecille is in a better place now!!! May her soul Rest in Peace!!!🙏🙏🙏

  12. Mydee says:

    To Sis Josie, Brod Bong and family,
    Sending our heartfelt condolences and prayers during this difficult times. Sorry for the loss of your aunt. Prayers for her eternal rest. May she rest in peace🙏✝️☮️💐
    Mydee and Jorge

  13. Leny Isidro-Cristobal says:

    May 17, 2023, 11: 49 PM
    CECILIA DUNUAN BERNARDO
    There is a Heaven for Eternal Rest and its door is wide opened and waiting for our dear Ate Cecil.
    May the Angels that accompany you in life now bring you to the everlasting glory of heaven.
    Prayers and Hugs to Kuya Cel and family in this time of Blessed sorrow.
    Loving you…
    Leny and Max Cristobal

  14. Jackie Gabbamonte says:

    From Jackie
    I remember Auntie for 😂 her kindness …genuinely Kind!

  15. Josie Gallman says:

    From Josie G
    She inspired me to dream big and see the world. Life is not only Lagawe which is very true. Her love, care and assistance to us nieces and nephews. Very helpful heal hi auntie tau to the whole clan and so to our kababayans in America. An example is my batch mate Tining Buyog she inspired her to pass the requirements to become a US nurse.
    Neverending generosity, so blessed to know and be related to her. Of course, she was able to do all those things with uncle Jun’s support peman 😍 Rest peacefully auntie Cely until we meet again.

  16. Laxamee Gamduton says:

    The one that stuck in me is this good advise from Auntie Cely before coming to America, she said when u come to America dont expect that all people are well to do, there are also poor people like the homeless, drug addicts, and other out cast of society.
    These people come to the hospital too either they are sick or just to have refuge, be patient, never argue, give them care as compassionate as u can, these are the reasons you are going to America
    This is the advise that I always think when I encounter with difficult pts.
    She also said try to improve your life be it financial or family wise don’t repeat what your parents do strive to be a better version of them..

  17. Pamela Dunuan says:

    to study study study..she had very few words for me and when I worked at SM cinema as a ticket seller..looks likes she had known about it and she told me that she helped me to be a nurse and what am I doing? then she told me to get out from my present job..from then on I focused on nursing till I came over..

  18. Don Valdez says:

    When I see Jack grow up and think about the life he and my daughter will have, I know this isn’t possible without Grandma Cecil. Nor are the lives of my mother and me. I owe my accomplishments to her sacrifices and her courage to break ground in the US for our family.
    Grandma was always so kind and loving with me and the main thing I will remember is how she made me feel when I was around her- whole, complete, strong enough to be the person I’m meant to be. As the “third” Bernardo son, I don’t feel that for this Mothers Day (2023). I will always love her and my children and their children will know who Grandma is.

  19. Geoff Ibe says:

    My favorite memory is grandma coming over when Teagan was just born. She would hold her and have the magic touch and put her to sleep… and also got Tina a house warming gift and got her a jade Thai tea set but she’s korean 😅
    But she’s korean and catholic lol

  20. Bong Abuan says:

    Very helpful to the family and we owe to her our success and current status in life
    Family First!
    Thank you auntie!

  21. Dek Ibe says:

    I think growing up whenever ijay, JJ, and I would be at family parties, she would always make sure we’re doing okay or yelling at us because we’re being makulit 😂 but always gave us good advice as we continues to get older.

  22. Benjie Abuan says:

    I do remember her as a very kind hearted & a generous aunt. She helped me a lot during my college time, financial & moral support. She never get tired giving advices. I will always remember & cherish her time with us. Rest in peace our loving aunt.

  23. Racheal says:

    Aunt Cecile you paved the way thank you for your love and Generosity, Rest in Peace I love you .

  24. Tayin Cruz-Sarmiento says:

    Our family is keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers. May her soul rest in peace 🙏
    Love from CRUZ family

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