Tomasita "Nanay Cita" Sorbeto was a beacon of love and selflessness, whose life was a testament to the enduring power of faith and family. Born on September 7, 1933, in the vibrant town of Cavite, Philippines, she blossomed into a woman of strength and compassion, touching the lives of all who knew her. On December 18, 2023, Nanay Cita's remarkable journey came to a peaceful close in Chicago, IL, leaving behind a legacy of love that will forever be cherished.

Nanay Cita's story is one of boundless devotion. She was a loving wife to her late husband, Alberto Sorbeto, and together they built a life rich in joy and kindness. Though she outlived her son's Alberto Jr., Rolando, and Crisostomo, her connection with her remaining daughter's, Carolina Dagle, Myrna Sorbeto and Perpetua Capito, remained unbreakable, a testament to the unyielding bonds of family.

The matriarch of an ever-growing tree, Nanay Cita's love blossomed through generations, nurturing her grandchildren—Winniver, Reynald, Ian Darrel, Abraham, Sarah Joyce, Renzo, Honeylyn, and Jon Carlo—with a love so profound it could move mountains. Her great-grandchildren, Khalid, Aisha, Gab, Mavis, Kiel, Isaac, James, Almilia, Danielle, Abery, and Chloe, were the apples of her eye, each bearing a spark of her spirit.

Nanay Cita's interests were as rich and varied as the tapestry of her life. She never missed an episode of "Let's Make a Deal" or "The Price is Right," finding joy in the simple pleasures of life. She cherished her walks, moments of reflection and connection with nature that recharged her soul. Her love for word searches was more than a pastime; it was a dance of the mind that kept her sharp and engaged. Above all, her relationship with the Lord was unshakeable, a source of strength that fueled her every step.

In a world that often glorifies the pursuit of personal gain, Nanay Cita lived a life that echoed the inspiring words of Mother Teresa: "Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love." This simple yet profound philosophy was the cornerstone of her existence. She was the embodiment of love in action, a woman who gave without expecting anything in return, whose every gesture was a whisper of her generous spirit.

To know Nanay Cita was to witness a masterclass in selflessness. Her heart knew no bounds; she poured herself into raising her grandchildren with an endless well of love, guiding them toward their dreams with a gentle hand and a firm belief in their potential. Her legacy is not measured in material wealth but in the countless hearts she has touched, the lives she has shaped, and the love she has sown that will continue to grow for generations to come.

As we celebrate the life of Tomasita "Nanay Cita" Sorbeto, let us remember that our time here is precious and that the true measure of our lives is the love we leave behind. In her memory, let us all strive to be a little more loving, a little more selfless, and a little more faith-filled. For in the echoes of her laughter, in the warmth of her embrace, and in the light of her unwavering faith, Nanay Cita has shown us the way to a life well-lived—a life of great love.

Nanay Cita's journey on this earth has come to an end, but her spirit remains an eternal flame in the hearts of her cherished family and friends. Her story inspires us to look beyond ourselves, to cherish every moment, and to love with the entirety of our beings. May we all carry forward the torch of her love, illuminating the path for others as she so beautifully did for us.