Teofila Santos Parazo

Beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother, Teofila Santos Parazo was born December 28, 1919 in Manila, Philippines and was lovingly embraced by our Lord on January 23, 2008. Teofila was born in Paranaque, Manila, Philippines and was one of seven children. She survived World War II and always felt blessed to be alive. Teofila was a professional fashion designer and seamstress until she married her husband Capt. Menandro Parazo. Always ready for the next journey, Teofila and Menandro moved their four children from the Philippines to Okinawa, Pennsylvania and finally to El Paso where she spent over 48 years making a loving home for her husband and four children, Justice, Abraham, Don and Julianne. Her legacy of love and service to our Lord will be cherished by all who were touched by her. Her memorable and wonderful cooking talents will be remembered by all who knew her. The sumptuous dishes others copied but never quite mastered will always be recalled. Her Filipino egg rolls and noodles were famous as was her skill and talent as a designer and seamstress. Teofila’s love of music was evident when she sang in church and at home and her expertise and love of ballroom dancing will always be a part of our wonderful memories. Her penchant for decorating was exemplified in her home and she opened her home to many, many young Filipino nurses and doctors as they came to the United States for the first time. She was a “guiding light” who taught them how to assimilate into a new culture and make this country their home as she did. She strongly believed in education and lifelong learning and supported her children and grandchildren through college emotionally and financially. Teofila was a loving wife who faithfully supported her husband and made a home wherever the military stationed them and happily accompanied him across the country to the many veterans’ association affairs they were asked to be a part of. Never afraid of new experiences, she loved to travel and always relished her trips to Paris, Europe and her Alaskan cruise. Always ready to enjoy a new adventure, she kept a bag packed and ready for travel. Teofila was involved with many organizations among them being the Filipino American Association of El Paso, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Ex-Prisoners of War, the Military Order of World Wars and other military and civic organizations. She was lovingly called “Mom” by her husband of 62 years, “Momma” to her children, “Lola” and “Nonny” to her grand and great-grandchildren and as “Auntie” to the many people she nurtured and supported throughout the years. Her legacy of faith, unconditional love, never-ending patience, ability to always forgive and her dedicated service and faith in God will remain with all who were privileged to know her. Her journey to our Lord leaves behind her husband, Ret. Capt. Menandro Bocobo Parazo, sons Justice Parazo, Abraham Parazo, Don Parazo and daughter Julianne Parazo Booth as well as daughters-in-law Mary Parazo, Angela Parazo, Anita Parazo and son-in-law Rodney Booth. Her cherished grandchildren are Bethanne and Steven Stufflebean, Taryn and Brandon Parazo, Ean, Erica, Andrea and Alana Parazo, Stephanie and Matthew Parazo and Michal Joanne Booth and Madison Jennifer Booth. Her legacy of love will be carried on by her great-grandchildren Laura, Steven, Lydia, Karen, Mercy, Dana, Lily and David Stufflebean. She is also survived by her sister Consolacion Cayanan of Manila, Philippines. Viewing and Eulogy will be Sunday, January 27th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. with the rosary service beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home, 4631 Hondo Pass, El Paso, Texas. Catholic mass and memorial service will be Monday, January 28th at 12:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 2709 Alabama Street, El Paso, Texas. Burial and graveside service will be Wednesday, January 30th at 2 p.m. at the Dallas/Fort Worth National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests anyone wishing to honor Teofila send donations to the American Diabetes Association in her name. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Homes-Northeast. Please visit on-line register book at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net