Maria Gerada

Maria Socorro Laranang Calanno Gerada, a loving wife of the late Bernardo Gerada, a beloved mother, grandmother, and a great grandmother, passed away on June 4th, 2023 at Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, California.  She was 89 years old.  She was born on December 16, 1933, from Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur, Philippines to Honorata and Alejo Calanno. She was a resident of Rancho Mirage, CA at the time of her passing.  
She is survived  by her five children:  Rhodora Francisca Catolico, Bernadette Gerada Eldert, Rey Crisanto Gerada, Juliana Gerada Nash, and Elena Gerada Mercado.  She is also survived by her 14 grand children and 14 great grandchildren.  She has one surviving sister, Antonina Calanno Gray, who lives  in the Philippines.  

She was born in a small, farming village part of Northern Phillipines and the third child among four girls. She went on to graduate from dressmaking school, from her early days.  Soon, was married to her late husband, Bernardo Gerada.  Her life was difficult but managed to raise her five children on her own after the death of her husband in 1970.  To support her children, she did farming during the day and was a dressmaker at night.  She sewed for everybody and even made her own wedding gown.  In 1981, Maria moved with her family to the U.S. and she knew her children would have a better life. Over the years she would talk about her late sister, Consuelo Ramirez who had a heart of gold, of how grateful and lucky she was that she provided love and support uncondtionally. She worked in the hospitality industry until she retired in 2006.  Even before her retirement, she loved babysitting, spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren who were the light of her world.  She was selfless, giving and  caring.  She also loved to cook and clean for her family and everyone.  She loved to crochet,  loved tending to her garden and The Bachelorette is one of her favorite tv show.  

Furthermore, when she is not doing any of the above, she found joy socializing with the Filipino community, enjoys gatherings, Sunday church, attending novenas and a quick trip to the slot machines.

Maria, has a bubbly personality and loved by everyone she met. Lastly, to few of her grand children, she is known as “ little grandma.”

 VIEWING :  June 24, 2023 Saturday,  

12-8 p.m.

Forest Lawn, 69855 E. Ramon Rd, Cathedral City, Ca 92234

1:00 pm Prayer.

2-4pm:  Obituary, Eulogy, hymns, poems, tribute, open mic..

4-8pm Refreshments

VIEWING: June 25, 2023 Sunday

12-4 pm

Forest Lawn, 69855 E. Ramon Rd, Cathedral city, Ca. 92234

Funeral Mass: June 26, 2023 Monday

9 am @ St. Theresa Church, 2800 Ramon Rd. Palm Springs, Ca.

Interment to follow:

Desert Memorial Park Cemetery

31-705 Da Vall Dr. Cathedral City Ca. 92234

Reception to follow:  @ EMPEROR BUFFET

69600 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, Ca. 92270

Arrangements are under the care of Forest Lawn, Cathedral City, CA.