Ceferina Quintillan
August 26, 1929 - August 16, 2022
Visitation: Thursday, August 25, 2022, 2-4,6-8 pm; Devlin Funeral Home, North Hills
Service: Friday, August 26, 2022, 10:30 am; Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Incarnation of The Lord Church
Ceferina Quintillan, of Pittsburgh, PA, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones on Tuesday, August 16, 2022, just shy of her 93rd birthday. Lovingly referred to as Nanay, she is survived by her five children, daughter Esperanza Talastas, daughter Corazon Texon, daughter Estrella Viloria, daughter Josephine Borja, and son Jesus Quintillan; her loving eighteen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren; her dear sisters Apolonia Cariño and Crispina Urbien; and her many nieces, nephews, and relatives. She is predeceased by her husband, Pedro Quintillan.
Ceferina was born in Magsingal, Ilocos Sur, Philippines, to the late Sulficio Urbien and Roderica Urbien, on August 26, 1929. She was the eldest of three sisters. Ceferina and Pedro married at a young age and started their family right away. She went on and attended school, learning the craft of sewing. Ceferina became a professional dressmaker, creating beautiful pieces for her neighbors. Her neighbors adored the items she made so much, they began to spread the word of her high quality work. It was word of mouth that helped Ceferina reach more people, to grow and continue her craft. She began to design and create costumes for fiestas and special occasions, as well as uniforms for students that attended the nearby Catholic school. All of this work allowed her to contribute to her family finances for her children to achieve higher education.
In 1987, Ceferina came to the United States, residing in Monsey, NY. She stayed with her daughter Estrella and helped raise her family. Ceferina loved her role as a grandmother, caring for her grandchildren as well as many other family members. Her community of family and friends grew throughout the years. In 1996, Ceferina moved with Estrella and her family to Pittsburgh, PA, where she lived the rest of her joyful years. She continued to make clothes and blankets for her grandchildren and also enjoyed spending time outside gardening. Ceferina adored flowers. Roses and sunflowers were her favorite. She planted many roses in the Philippines and in Pittsburgh, PA. Roses that she planted years ago still bloom every spring.
Family and faith were very important to Ceferina. When she could, she attended mass every Sunday and cherished holidays when the family would gather around the table and spill out into the adjoining rooms. She was sharp, quick witted, and loved a good laugh. Besides sewing and gardening, you could find her reading, watching her Filipino shows, eating a piece of dark chocolate, or shopping. She lived a beautiful, long life, always in the presence of those she loved. Her memory and spirit will live on with the blossoming of new life each spring and as her sewn creations are passed down to the next generation.
A special Thank-You to Dr. Ashim Dayalan and Genesis Medical, as well as the doctors, nurses, and staff at UPMC Passavant – McCandless, who all cared for Ceferina.
Viewing will be held on Thursday, August 25, 2022, from 2pm – 4pm and 6pm – 8pm, at Devlin Funeral Home, 806 Perry Hwy, Pittsburgh, PA 15229. Flowers are welcome.
Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, August 26, 2022, at 10:30am, at Our lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Incarnation of the Lord Church, 4071 Franklin Rd, Pittsburgh PA 15237.
Burial will be at Christ our Redeemer Cemetery, Chapel of our Lady Mausoleum, 204 Cemetery Ln, Pittsburgh, PA 15237.
Cards and condolences can be mailed to:
Estrella Viloria
4447 Rodenbaugh Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15214
