Teodora Esquivel Soliva

Teodora Esquivel Soliva, great grandmother and World War II veteran, went to sleep peacefully in the light of Christ on Monday, October 26, 2020 at the tender age of 102.
Born in Sinait, Ilocos Sur, Philippines, she was the only child of Eulalio Esquivel and Restituta Ines. Separated from her parents at a very young age, she went to live with her grandmother and attended Catholic elementary school. When she was getting ready to dedicate her life as a nun, WWII broke out and town officials recommended she join the US Armed Forces in the Philippines. She engaged the front lines, participated in guerilla warfare and at one point feared execution as a POW. Eventually, her leadership, and the work of the 2nd Battalion 15th Infantry S-2 agents she was in charge of, culminated to the liberation of Vigan. While serving, she met the love of her life, Moises Acoba Erice, a fellow soldier. They got married after the war. She graduated from and taught at Ilocos Norte Normal School until the 1960's. Longing to be reunited with her mother in Hawaii after long years of separation, she sought the help of Nicomedes Soliva, a US citizen from Kekaha, Kauai. Upon arriving there, she became active with local groups and senior organizations teaching folk dances and winning many competitions over other dance groups throughout the islands. She joined Fil-Am veterans groups and fought for Filipino veterans rights. Because of her leadership involvement with the St. Paul Episcopal Church, she was offered the honor to be laid to rest in the Cathedral, home only to priests, bishops and other dignitaries. She is survived by her daughters Amaryllis Erice, Daisy Erice (Gene) and Reynalda Soliva (Antonio), her grandchildren Moses Kanai, Gina, Gary, Krystal Ann and Anthony Rey, and her great grandchildren Manuia, Naiya, Marlie, Jazmin, Juliet, Jamen, Jaren, Jaina, Jaclyn and Jose.
In addition to family, friends and a dedication to her faith, Teodora's secret for a lengthy and blessed life is to pray, be happy and eat, especially ice cream. She will be laid to rest with military honors at Forest Lawn in Cypress. May perpetual light shine upon her and may her soul rest in peace.