Cristina M Tolentino
                      1961-2005

                                                                                     

Cristina Maria Tolentino, 44, died on 7 November 2005, after a courageous battle with Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma. She was first diagnosed in May 1997.

Cristina was born on 1 June 1961 in Quezon City, Philippines and moved to New Jersey in 1981. She had graduated from St. Paul’s College QC with an Associate Degree in Secretarial Science. Her first job in the U.S. was as an Executive Secretary to a Vice President at Foster Wheeler in Livingston, New Jersey. After a stint at Foster Wheeler she went to work with the Chase Manhattan Bank at then 2 World Trade Center.  After two years, Cristina was back in New Jersey to work at Prudential Insurance doing IT Actuary as a Project Manager until her "retirement" in 1998 due to her illness. Always the excellent  student, Cristina took courses at Farleigh Dickinson University and carried a 4.0 GPA.

Cristina excelled at what she did until 1997 when she was diagnosed with Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma (head and neck cancer). After two major surgeries and massive dose of radiation treatment, she retired from Prudential (1997) and focused on her healing and spirituality. She taught Sunday school at Bethel Assembly of God in Parsippany, New Jersey, and enjoyed sharing bible scriptures with family members and friends.  When her equilibrium and speech were affected by the disease (cancer went to the brain area), Cristina stopped the Sunday school but still focused on being a teacher to us, especially to her nephews and nieces. Her style was graceful and refiend.  She was vocal with her opinion and strong about her principles. She devoted her time educating her nieces and nephews on hot to be good citizens and and to be
productive members of the society. Cristina was an ebullient and classy person one could emulate.

Cristina loved to cook and bake.  She loved poetry and travel.  She loved to sing (anyone who had the pleasure of seeing her on karaoke night was rewarded with a fine performance).  She was a perfect hostess at her tea parties and the perfect guest at the parties of others.    She created the Tolentino Times, acting as editor as well as submitting her poetry.  In 1994, she accompanied her parents and aunt on a trip to Europe.  She was the guide, photographer, writer and food and wine connoisseur.  She traveled with friends to Bermuda and Puerto Rico.  Cristina and her brother Mario went on trips that took them to London, Paris, Amsterdam, Austrai, Budapest, Prague and Bratislava.  During her illness, she made pilgrimages to France, Protugal, Spain, Croatia and her native Philippines.  Cristina loved culture and respected people's differences.

During the early onset of her illness, Cristina voluntered with the American Cancer Societyfor a short timeas well as with the Morris County Volunteer Group as a "friendly visitor" to an elderly person.  Cristina wanted to be productive even with her illness.

An amazing woman who fought cancer with dignity and an unrelenting optimism, Cristina touched many lives in her short 44 years.  She prayed vigilantly for those of us who needed the most.  She pursued every possible treatment and endured more than most would encounter in several lifetimes. Cristina was an inspiration to countless friends, family and medical staff who knew and loved her. We are comforted to know that Cristina is now at peace with our Lord.