Belen J. Dato-On

Belen J. Dato-on, 86, born on March 10, 1926, in Tabaco, Albay, Philippines, passed away November 15, 2012. She resided in Westminster, California at the time of her passing. Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Cypress, California.

Belen DeJesus Dato-on
(March 10, 1926 – November 15, 2012)

Belen and Florentino Dato-on would have been married 60 years in December. However, 3 months before that special date, Florentino (Flor) went to be with the Lord. The 60 days that followed Florentino's passing was much too long for Belen to live without her love and lifelong partner. So on November 15, the Lord called Belen home into His loving arms, and to be reunited with her love, Florentino, forever.

Born on March 10, 1926 in Tabaco, Albay (Philippines) to Maria Salanguit and Felix de Jesus, Belen (affectionately known as "Bels") was one of eight children, four boys and four girls. Life was difficult then, especially during the Japanese occupation of WWII. However, Maria and Felix instilled in their children the value of hard work and education – and all graduated college – 2 with degrees in Medicine, 4 in Engineering, 1 in Accounting, and 1 in Nursing.

Belen graduated from High School at the top of her class (valedictorian). She then pursued her college degree in Commerce, majoring in Accounting. It was during this time that she met a dashing young officer, who happened to rent a room in her parent's house, and who eventually won her heart. Belen and Florentino got married on December 27, 1952, and were blessed with four children.

Belen worked as an accountant at the Budget Division in Malacanang (the President's official residence in the Philippines). She eventually immigrated to the United States in 1976, and the rest of the family followed in 1977. Belen is best known for her generous hospitality; she loved entertaining family and friends. She was a great cook, and always served up a delicious meal. She also loved to travel – she has visited many states, and a few countries in Europe. Belen and Flor often spent their weekends at parties dancing – Belen was always the life and soul of any party. And being an avid Laker fan, she never missed a Laker game on TV.

In 1996, Belen suffered a stroke. However, her health limitations did not stop her from being involved in organizations with her husband like RAFPO-USA and the Filipino Rosary Group. Her husband Flor lovingly took care of her until he declined mentally, and eventually lost his battle to cancer. He passed away on September 15, 2012. Exactly two months later, Belen was called by the Lord to join her husband in blessed eternity.

Psalm 30: Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning…
You have turned for me my mourning into dancing…

Belen is survived by her two sisters: Amparo de Jesus Paredes and Azucena de Jesus; four children and their spouses (and 12 grandchildren): Susan and Joe Orate (Joey and David), Daniel and Rosie Dato-on (Vincent, Veronica, and Valerie), Florentino Jr. and Ellen Dato-on (Anthony, Jenna, Katelyn, and Matthew), Dindo and Susan Dato-on (Devra, Dariel, and DeAnne); and numerous nephews/nieces, and grandnephews/grandnieces, including Emily de Jesus, Joel and Jonathan Garcia. She will be greatly missed and will forever be in their hearts!