Josefina Bersamin Bilgera

Josefina Bersamin Bilgera, affectionately known as "Ipin," peacefully passed away on January 10, 2026, at her home in Rocklin, California, in the comforting presence of her beloved family. Born on August 1, 1923, in Bangued, Abra, Philippines, Ipin graced the world for nearly a century, leaving behind a legacy of love and devotion that will forever echo in the hearts of her family and friends.

Throughout her life, Josefina was a devoted wife and mother who chose the path of a plain housewife, dedicating herself to nurturing her family with a boundless love that knew no limits. She embraced the challenges of life with a positive outlook and an ever-present smile, a testament to her resilient spirit. Her kindness and generosity resonated with everyone she encountered, and she was never one to forget the small acts of kindness, always expressing her heartfelt gratitude.

Ipin was a source of warmth and affection, her thoughtful nature evident in her caring reminders to her loved ones, always encouraging them to take care as they went about their day. She was admired not only for her sweet disposition but also for her remarkable ability to create a loving home. She instilled values in her children and supported them with unwavering belief, enabling each to graduate from college despite the hardships they faced as a family. Her proudest accomplishment was raising her children with love and commitment, and seeing them succeed was the culmination of her many sacrifices.

Ipin cherished her hobbies, which included crocheting, cooking, tending to her garden, and helping take care of her cherished grandchildren. These simple joys brought her great happiness and served as another way for her to express love for her family. She devoted countless hours to creating beautiful things with her hands and sharing lovingly prepared meals with her family.

Her educational journey began at Abra High School, from which she graduated in 1940. She later worked at the Abra Emergency Hospital and was proud to be one of the first Normalites at Colegio del Sagrado Corazon.

Though she has passed, her spirit lives on through her loving family: Ed B. Bilgera and Merlyn Bilgera, her son and daughter-in-law; Edna B. Guan and Cesar Guan, her daughter and son-in-law; Cherry B. Borillo and Mar Borillo, her daughter and son-in-law; Cora B. Asiatico and Ed Asiatico, her daughter and son-in-law; and Rudy B. Bilgera and Ludy Bilgera, her son and daughter-in-law.

Josefina is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jose B. Bilgera, who remains in the hearts of those who loved him; and her parents, Pascual Bersamin and Lucia Bersamin, who provided her the foundation upon which she built her life.

On her 100th birthday, her family brought a piece of the Philippines to the USA to celebrate her remarkable life. In honoring her final wish to return to her homeland, they will now reunite her with her beloved husband in the place she cherished most.

Josefina Bersamin Bilgera leaves behind an enduring legacy of love, kindness, and resilience. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her.