Balbina Taisipic Aguon Obituary (1939

Heartache is the price we pay when we love so deeply, so there is no greater debt left to endure than the loss of Balbina Taisipic Aguon. The adored wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother was called to God as the clock struck midnight on May 15, 2023. She was 83 years old. Balbina is preceded in death by her daughter, Elizabeth Wiles, her parents, and five siblings. She is survived by her husband of nearly 64 years, Roque Cepeda Aguon. She is also survived by her six remaining children and their spouses, Anita Marshall (Eugene), Roque Aguon, Jr., Rosalind Mack (Lawrence), Lourdes Deszell (Robert), Elizabeth's surviving husband, Brian Wiles, Patricia Pablo (John), and Nieves Wright (Chad). She leaves behind grandchildren, their spouses and great-grandchildren Joseph & Cynara Mack (Jonathan, Ryan, Danica), Tasia & Joshua Segal (Kai, Niko), Leticia Brand (Carly, Gabriella), Christopher & Emily Deszell (Indigo), Tristan Marshall, Bryan Deszell, Justin Pablo, Natasha & Jay Arcega (Keilana, Arrowyn), Tyler Marshall, Nathan Wiles, Jazmyne Pablo, Roque Aguon III, Julianna Deszell, Jayde Pablo, Nolan Wiles, and Amelia Wright. Balbina was born to Jesus Taitingfong and Nieves Aguon Taisipic on December 22, 1939, in Hagatna, Guam. She spent her youth in the village of Yona where she met Roque. Childhood sweethearts, the two began a decade-long courtship that resulted in their marriage on June 20, 1959. Roque served in the US Navy while Balbina took charge of the home and their growing family. By 1962, the first three of their seven children were born; Anita, Roque, Jr. and Rosalind. Their Naval career included duty stations in Bremerton, WA, San Diego, CA, a return to Guam, and many on the east coast. By 1969, they added Lourdes, Elizabeth and Patricia. Each new destination and child brought forth new challenges, yet Balbina always found ways to ensure the family was happy and content in their home. She created a fun Christmas gift hunt for her children in which they would each search the house for their present. Her children still recall that first hunt as one of their fondest memories. Nieves was born in 1980 several years after Roque's retirement from active duty. The family would eventually move and settle in Bremerton. Balbina and Roque's home would become the hub for family gatherings in the years to come as each new generation of Aguon grandchildren and great-grandchildren came along. She brought joy, light, and laughter to everyone in the family, and she had an unparalleled ability to find enough love and attention to ensure everyone felt special. If she had a favorite in the family, you could never tell. Her cooking was one of her love languages. Even if you showed up unannounced, she was prepared to make you a delicious meal that you would never forget. In her personal time, she enjoyed playing bingo and going to the casino, but nothing brought her more joy than spending time with Roque and her family. The tradition of the Christmas gift hunt was restored years later when her grandchildren were young and continues to this day. You could not help but see the delight swell in her eyes as she watched her grandchildren and great-grandchildren scurry about the house for their gifts. She was stoic and brave, even in her final days. As each family member went in to speak with her for what they knew may well be their last time, she was there to give a comforting word, even asking if they had eaten. Even as she likely knew her time was coming to a close, with all the selflessness and grace she could muster, she was going to do what she knew best. Take care of her family. Rest easy now, Balbina, your family will take care of each other as you took care of us. The family invites friends and family to a Catholic funeral service at Holy Trinity Church, Bremerton, WA, on Friday, June 9, 2023 at 11 am. Balbina will be inurned with her remains kept at Tahoma National Cemetery where she will be paired again with Roque at the time of his death. Arrangements are entrusted to Lewis Funeral Chapel in Bremerton, WA.