Marissa Custodio Bernal

Marissa Custodio Bernal was born on August 30, 1956 and born to eternal life on March 24, 2023 at the age of 66.  

She is survived by her children Marlon Romero, Marvin Romero, and Marlise Romero Syhuat.  She has four grandchildren; Sophia Marlene Romero, Samantha Romero Syhuat, Savannah Romero Syhuat, and Miles Suyama Romero.

Marissa was born in Santo Niño, Marikina, Rizal on August 30, 1956, the youngest of seven.  Her parents were Gaudioso Ricafort Bernal and Josefa Custodio Bernal.  She has one surviving sibling in the Philippines.

In 1980 Marissa's eldest sister Lourdes and her brother-in-law Renato petitioned her to live with them in the United States.  By October 1980 she emigrated to the US, having to make the sacrifice of leaving behind her eldest son in the Philippines to search for a better future for the entire family.  

On April 1981, she gave birth to Marvin in San Diego.  She had to raise Marvin in the US while also sending money to provide for Marlon in the Philippines.  It was a difficult task but with the help of her relatives in San Diego and her determination she was driven to make things work.  In 1983, all her hard work paid off and was reunited with Marcelino and Marlon.  They lived in Bell, CA before finding a home in South Gate, CA.  Their youngest child Marlise was born shortly after in 1986.

Marissa had various professions from customer service, retail, secretary, catering, and caregiving.  At times she had to work multiple jobs at once while taking community college courses, and raising her three children.  Outside of work, she loved to ballroom dance, watch Filipino comedies and dramas, and listen to music.  Her favorite artists were Sharon Cuneta, Celine Dion, and Whitney Houston.  She also was an excellent cook, known for her lumpia, palabok, chicken wings, and spaghetti.  

Among friends and family she was fiercely independent, caring, supportive, and always willing to lend a hand.  She had a great sense of humor with an endless stream of sharp and witty responses.  She devoted her life to her family and sacrificed herself for their well-being.  Her love and sacrifice for her family and friends will never be forgotten.  She will be laid to rest in Cypress, CA nearby her mother and brother.