Romeo Paiste

In Loving Memory of Romeo Rabara Paiste
April 13, 1951 - January 17, 2024

Romeo Rabara Paiste, 72, passed away on January 17th, 2024, surrounded by his family at his bedside in Lodi, California. Born on April 13th, 1951, in Bantay, Ilocos Sur, Philippines, he was the third eldest among 10 siblings to Pedro Pigao Paiste and Francisca Rabara Paiste. In the mid-1970s, Romeo immigrated to the United States, seeking new opportunities to build a better life for his family. Over time, he settled down in Lodi, California and started a family of his own.

In 1978, Romeo married his beloved wife, Jesusa Cardenas Balanza. Throughout their marriage, Romeo and Jesusa lovingly raised their three children and warmly welcomed their respective companions into the family: Leilani Balanza Paiste Abellera and her husband, Dexter Abellera; Jane Balanza Paiste, accompanied by her husband, Cristian Poblete Gonzalez, and their adored canine companion, Delilah; and Jamie Ryan Paiste, who is engaged to Jazmin Lomeli Ramirez. Romeo also treasured his role as a grandfather to five grandchildren: Jordan Mark Abellera, Jacob Dylan Abellera, Kayla Jayne Abellera, Romeo Alexander Paiste, and Dominic Joseph Paiste.

Romeo was a man of humble beginnings and was known as an exceptionally hard worker. He worked long hours in various labor-intensive jobs across different industries throughout his years in the United States. These industries included agriculture, where he picked and pruned fruits and vegetables in California and Arizona. He also worked in the canning industry, processing salmon in Alaska and peaches in California. Additionally, he worked in the manufacturing industry, processing a variety of products such as car seats, Duraflame products, and paper-based packaging products throughout California as well. Romeo's strong work ethic and dedication were all driven by the noble purpose of providing for his family.

Romeo was not only a diligent provider for his family, but also a culinary maestro in the kitchen. Selflessly, he would create a plethora of dishes upon request, delighting both his immediate and extended family. The consistent and delectable quality of his culinary creations became a testament to his skill and the love he poured into every meal. Furthermore, his freezer was always stocked with a variety of carefully chosen meats and fresh vegetables, reflecting his dedication to providing wholesome and flavorful meals. This practice left a lasting legacy that extended beyond his role as a dedicated worker and family man.

In his spare time, one of Romeo’s notable hobbies was maintaining his garden, lawn, and plants around his home. Drawing upon the knowledge acquired through years of experience in his agricultural roles, his gardens flourished with an abundance of fruits and vegetables. His lawn was meticulously cared for and the plants, under his watchful eye, thrived with vitality. Additional activities Romeo participated in included spending time with his siblings laughing about the good times in life, discussing sports updates with his brothers, engaging in casino escapades with loved ones, and playing Mahjong with friends and family throughout the evening.

Beyond his talents and hobbies, Romeo's life was a testament to the values of hard work, perseverance, modesty, and the importance of family. Genuinely proud of his family members’ accomplishments, he supported his family whenever anyone was in need. His heart was rich with kindness, generosity, and love, touching the lives of those around him with his kind spirit and gentle nature. A simple man, he possessed a quiet strength that spoke volumes through his actions, signifying quality, integrity, honor, and respect.

In paying tribute to his legacy, let us continue to embrace the valuable lessons he shared, aspiring to lead lives infused with the timeless virtues of love, dedication, and humility that defined the extraordinary journey of Romeo Rabara Paiste. May he find eternal peace.

In Loving Memory of Romeo Rabara Paiste

Services:
Friday, 2/23/2024: Rosary
• Time: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
o Rosary: 5:00 PM
• Location: Cherokee Memorial Park, Vineyard Chapel
• Address: 14165 Beckman Road, Lodi, CA 95240

Saturday, 2/24/2024: Funeral Service
• Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
o Committal Service: 12:00 PM at the Garden of Angels
• Location: Cherokee Memorial Park
• Address: 14165 Beckman Road, Lodi, CA 95240

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Paiste family.

Margarita Borjon

July 12, 1951 - January 16, 2024

VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 4:00pm - 8:00pm with a rosary starting at 6:00pm on Thursday, February 1st, 2024 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICE
A service will be held at 10:00am on Friday, February 2nd, 2024 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Borjon family.

Linda Hopson

Linda Joan Hopson
April 28, 1942 – January 15, 2024

Stockton resident, Joan Hopson, walked through the Gates of Heaven on January 15th, 2024, after a full life of many blessings. Her body has been laid to rest at Cherokee Memorial Cemetery in Lodi, CA, but her spirit is now in the presence of her Savior and Lord.

Joan is preceded in death by her husband, Norman Hopson. Joan is survived by her three children, Melanie Hopson of Patterson, CA, Jennifer Williams of Sacramento, CA, and Ted Hopson of Stockton, CA, as well as her two grandchildren, Emily Brown of Sacramento, CA, and Colton Connor of Roseville, CA, and her three siblings, Janice Hopson of Sacramento, CA, Larry Sackerson of Stockton, CA and Roger Sackerson of Windsor, CO.

Joan was born in Turlock, CA, on April 28, 1942 to Joseph and Agnes Sackerson and was the second of four children. She has three siblings: Janice, Larry and Roger. Her family moved to Stockton when she was a child and she lived most of her adult life there. Joan was married for 31 years to her husband, Norman Hopson, who worked as an Inspector and Senior Field Clerk for Pacific Gas & Electric Company and went to Heaven in 1993.

Joan met and fell in love with Norman, who was literally the boy who lived around the corner. As time passed, they got to know each other and started dating. Joan graduated from Stagg High School then went on to Delta College. In 1961 for one semester both Joan and Norm attended Biola College. Norm proposed to Joan during a concert of Handel’s Messiah by passing her a note asking her to marry him. She wrote back “yes,” and on August 18, 1962, they were wed.

During the 1960’s Joan and Norm started their family. Together they had three children: Melanie, Jennifer, and Ted.

Joan, a devout Christian, was a member and attendee of Stockton Covenant Church (SCC) for 73 years until her dying day. Joan enjoyed playing the piano and in her early years played for children in Sunday school classes. In her older years, she would arrive at church early to play hymns for congregants before the service started.

Joan had the gift of mercy displayed through comforting and encouraging others. She spent countless years of her life regularly visiting the sick and elderly in her congregation and the community to offer them comfort and prayer. Joan loved to send cards and write words of encouragement to others. She corresponded with countless people and would proudly count the number of cards she received in return for holidays and special occasions. Anyone who received a card from Joan, could count on it containing words of love and encouragement as well as cartoon and magazine clippings of beautiful and relevant images that would literally spill out of the envelope.

Joan first began battling breast cancer at the young age of 42. She battled it in 1984, 1993, 2019 and 2023 before she finally succumbed to it in 2024. Perhaps it is her early, lengthy, and ongoing battle that spurred her gift of mercy and comfort of others.

Joan loved cats, the ocean, See’s Candy and hanging out with friends at local eateries. She will be missed by many!

A Memorial Service will be held on January 27, 2024, at Stockton Covenant Church, located at 1720 Oxford Way, Stockton, CA 95204. The Service begins at 1:00 pm with a reception to follow in the church social hall.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial Park is honored to serve the Hopson family.

Chhin Sar

April 2, 1950 - January 15, 2024

We are sad to announce the passing of our beloved wife, devoted mother, and doting grandmother Chhin Sar. She passed away on Monday, January 15, 2024 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Stockton. Chhin is survived by her husband Sous Ka; four sons, Jim Su, Dan Song, Tim Sath, Ken Sokheng; one daughter Jessalyn Phana; two sisters Phal Som and Chhoeun Som; and brother Vann Som and eight grandchildren, Thapthara, Somally, Emmalee, Anthane, Alexander, Akara, Aleena and Kinsey. She will forever be remembered as a strong-willed woman who fought her way through mass genocide in her home country of Cambodia to ensure her children were able to get the best opportunities possible. She blessed many who knew her with 73 beautiful years and was the light of our lives. Her greatest joys in life were her children and grandchildren. She took pride and delight in ensuring those around her were always cared for. Her heart was so big and she loved unconditionally. Chhin will be remembered and deeply missed by numerous nieces and nephews, uncles and aunts, cousins, relatives, and friends.

Service will be held on Thursday, January 25th from 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm at Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240. 

A prayer will be held at the home of her daughter Jessalyn Phana Ka, Thursday, January 25th at 4:00 pm and a final closing prayer on Friday, January 26th at 9:00 am. Please text 209-406-1112 for the address. 

We thank you for the love, support and kindness, 
The Ka/Som/Sar family 

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Sar family.

J. Felix Ramirez Lara

March 6, 1941 - January 13, 2024

VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 4:00pm - 8:00pm with a rosary starting at 6:00pm on Monday, January 29th, 2024 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICE
Mass will be held at 10:00am on Tuesday, January 30th, 2024 at St. Anne's Catholic Church  located at 215 W. Walnut St Lodi, CA 95240.  

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Ramirez Lara family.

Cherokee Memorial Park is a 501(c)13 non-profit company, owned and operated exclusively for the benefit of the community, serving Lodi, Stockton, Galt, Manteca and the San Joaquin Valley since 1940.

CEMETERY OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Friday
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Saturday
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Sunday Closed

Mausoleums Daily
8:00 am - 4:30 pm


FUNERAL HOME OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Friday
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Weekends by Appointment
*Staff available 24/7
for immediate need