Carmencita Pacifico Sayoc (1943-2024)

Carmencita "Cit" Pacifico Sayoc, forever Sweet 16, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, passed from this Earth surrounded by loving family and friends on March 19, 2024. She had a deep and abiding love for Christ, the Church, and the family and friends He bestowed upon her.

Cit was born in Imus Cavite, Philippines, on September 8,1943, to Rafael Topacio Sayoc and Dolores Pacifico Sayoc. She attended San Roque Elementary School, Cavite High School, and the University of the East in Manila, where she graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, majoring in Banking. Cit immigrated with her family to the United States, where she managed Ven & Van's Asian Imports, a Filipino gifts and grocery store. After that, she worked at Third Fed Bank for 13 years, then provided in-home companion care for the elderly.

Cit selflessly and lovingly helped raise the five children (Irene, Ernestine, Irvin, Vivian, and Vernon) of her sister, Evangeline, and brother-in-law, Venusto Kalugdan. She loved to laugh and talk with her family and friends, and actively made time to visit her family members wherever they were in the world. When a new grandniece or grandnephew was born, Cit was always there in the same way that she was for the Kalugdan kids. She embraced numerous opportunities to enjoy life alongside her family, even if it meant sleepless nights caring for a newborn, or joining her grandnieces and grandnephews for thrilling rides on a roller coaster.

Cit answered her Call to Service by volunteering for many years with Filipinos In America Today, where she was also part of their music ministry. Cit served 10 years as Treasurer for the Filipino American Association of Bucks County and was a member of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. She adored orchids and loved attending the Philadelphia Flower Show, especially with friends and family. Her passions included gardening, baking, crocheting, traveling, volunteering, dancing, singing, and caring for others.

Cit was preceded in death by her parents, Rafael and Dolores, and her brother, Cezar Sayoc. She is survived by her siblings and their spouses: Myrna (Romeo) Nocon, Evangeline (Venusto) Kalugdan, Leila Pacifico Sayoc, Dr. Efren (Lulu) Sayoc, and her many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and great-grandnephews. Cit's memory lives on in the hearts of all who loved her.

A viewing will be held on Monday, April 1st, from 6-9 pm at George G. FitzPatrick Funeral Home on Old York Road in Abington, PA. Rosary Vigil will begin at 8:00 pm. An additional viewing will be held at 9am on Tuesday, April 2nd, at St. James Roman Catholic Church, on Brookside Road in Elkins Park, PA, with the funeral mass beginning at 10am.