Jocelyn Guerrero

Jocelyn D. Guerrero (also called Len/Celyn by her family) was born on October 22, 1954 in Manila, Philippines to parents John Young and Josefina Daisog. She grew up without her father and was an only child. As a single parent, Jocelyn’s mother devoted her whole life raising her child and worked hard to give her a good life. For a few years during her childhood, Jocelyn lived with her aunt and cousins since her mother had a job as a live-in housekeeper. Despite this early living arrangement, she did not feel lonely with the presence of her large extended family. At the age of nine, Jocelyn went to school at Hospicio de San Jose – a convent managed by Catholic nuns. During her seven years stay at the convent, she flourished as a student, became a folk dancer for the school, and learned to sew. Jocelyn loved to dance and represented her school to numerous functions and events. She often told stories of her experiences as a dance performer in high society parties. Being a dancer, Jocelyn taught and choreographed her daughter's, granddaughter’s, and nieces’ debutante waltz dances for their 18th birthdays.

Throughout her life, Jocelyn was known for her delicious cooking (her pancit, lumpia, and leche flan were legendary!), sewing fashionable outfits for her family (her daughter Mary Ann and best friend Luisa could be spotted wearing matching outfits during the height of Jocelyn’s fascination with sewing), and reading for hours on end. 

Jocelyn was a wonderful mother to Mary Ann and grandmother to Nicole and JR who she loved with all her life. She enjoyed going out with her grandkids every Tuesday, their routine for the past year – “Tuesdays with Mama!” She was at her happiest when she spent time with them.

Jocelyn passed on April 29, 2023 and has left a void in the hearts of those who knew her. Her loved ones will forever be inspired by the love, compassion, and kindness she left behind. Rest in peace, Jocelyn, and know that you will be greatly missed, but your memory will live on in our hearts forever.