Cristeta Perez Ricasa, beloved mother, grandmother, life partner, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away at the age of 67 surrounded by family at home on the morning of September 9, 2020. Cristeta is preceded in death by her father Dr. Odon Y. Perez, her mother, Cristeta M. Perez, and her brothers, Odon A. Perez Jr. and Abraham Perez. Cristeta is survived by her life partner, Romeo Bernales, children: Phoebe Kirkland (Angus Kirkland III), Marjorie Pleta (Christopher Pleta), Roy Ricasa (Kathleen Ricasa), and Krystle Villanueva (Christian Villanueva), siblings: Jose Perez, Demosthenes Perez Sr, Reginaldo Perez, Manuel Perez, Maria Natividad Adolfo, Loyda Flores, Esmeralda Elli, Elizabeth Jadloc, Jesusa de Castro, Constantina Leal, and grandchildren: Marcellus Kirkland, Charlize Villanueva, Soleil Kirkland, Mariah Pleta, Jared Ricasa, Madison Pleta, Gabrielle Ricasa, Karsten Villanueva, Macey Pleta, Adrienne Ricasa, Kassidy Villanueva, and Malia Pleta. Cristeta, or “Inday” as she was lovingly nicknamed, was born on August 20, 1953 in Tacloban, Philippines to Dr. Odon Y. Perez, Ed. D. and Cristeta M. Perez. She graduated Top 10 in the UP-PGH School of Nursing Class of 1974 with a GN degree and received her BSN degree in 1976 from Arellano University. In 1977, she immigrated to the United States of America to fulfill her career as a registered nurse. Over the next 40 years, she worked in the ICU and CCU at many local hospitals including Howard University, Hadley Memorial, Greater Southeast, Prince George’s and Southern Maryland, ultimately caring for thousands of patients in the DC area. Even though she was often employed at 2-3 hospitals at one time, most of her nursing career was spent at Fort Washington Hospital, where she finally retired in April 2018 after 24 years of service. Cristeta, a long-time resident of Fort Washington, MD, was a devout Catholic and regularly attended nearby St. Columba Catholic Church in Oxon Hill, MD, where she was a parishioner for over 35 years. She exemplified her Christian values not only through her faith, but also through her character and actions. Cristeta was genuinely kind, unselfish and generous to everyone she met and spread joy through her warm smile, bright eyes, and infectious laugh. For those who were blessed to know her, Cristeta was a beacon of light and love and someone who would do anything and everything to help those around her. To her family, Cristeta was simply “the best”. She was a pillar of unwavering strength, unyielding sacrifice and unconditional love. She devoted her life to making sure her family was well taken care of and happy. From arranging beautiful flowers or putting together favors and decorations for someone’s birthday, shower, wedding, or other special event, to being the family’s “on call” nurse and caring for anyone who was sick or injured, Cristeta was the best sister and aunt she could be. From cooking big batches of her famous sinigang for all of her grandchildren, to attending their countless basketball and soccer games, swim and gymnastic meets, jiu jitsu and volleyball tournaments, and dance shows and competitions, Cristeta was the best Lola she could be. From forgoing sleep after working the midnight shift so she could take her kids from one extracurricular activity to the next, to constantly putting her children’s needs before her own – even in her last days – just to make sure they were okay, Cristeta was the best mom she could be. People often asked who her “favorite” was. Though her favorite may have been questionable, she, in fact, was the clear “favorite” of the family. Now that she is no longer here, her physical presence will always be missed, but her spirit and shining example will forever live and be remembered by all who loved her. The family invites you to join in celebration of Cristeta’s life at her Visitation and Gathering at Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD on Friday, September 18, 2020 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 P.M. Mass of Christian Burial for Cristeta will be offered at St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Piscataway, 13401 Piscataway Rd., Clinton, MD on Saturday, September 19, 2020 at 9 A.M. Interment private. A repast will be held immediately after her mass at the Camp Springs Masonic Lodge in Camp Springs, MD.