CASTLETON-ON-HUDSON - With sadness, the family of Celsa E. Aquiman of 10 Archibald St., Watervliet, NY, announces her passing into God’s Heavenly Kingdom on Monday, May 22, 2017 at the Riverside Center for Rehabilitation & Nursing after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer that began in 2007. Calling hours for Celsa will be held Saturday, May 27, 2017, from 1 to 3pm with a short prayer service following at Bowen & Parker Bros. Funeral Home, 97 Old Loudon Road, Latham, NY, 12110. Burial will take place later at the family’s cemetery plot in the Philippines. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Celsa’s memory to either the American Cancer Society for breast cancer treatment/research or to the Riverside Center Rehabilitation & Nursing at 90 North Main St, Castleton-On-Hudson, NY, 12033.
Celsa was the oldest of six children born to Candida V. and Orcescio A. Emata on November 21, 1952, in the city of Libona, on the Philippine island of Mindanao. Celsa graduated from Tagoloan High School in 1968, was married in 1970 to Mario A. Aquiman and they raised three children, Andresita (Tata), Resma (Bebie) and Armando (Bobong). After the passing of Celsa’s husband in 1998, Celsa legally immigrated to the United States in April of 2003 to be closer to her daughter Bebie. Celsa had a big smile, a warm heart, and a sense of humor that brighten everyone’s day.
Celsa worked for 14 years in the housekeeping department at the Desmond Hotel in Albany, NY. Celsa truly loved her job and everyone at the Desmond, took pride in her work and was thankful for all the opportunities that were provided to her. But family, children and friends were the center of Celsa’s life. In addition to thinking of her friends and coworkers, Celsa was always thinking of her children, grandchildren, siblings, extended family and friends back in the Philippines that were less fortunate. Celsa would send them whatever spare money she had to help improve their lives. Whether it be for simple things like food, clothing, medicine, toys or for paying for vocational training and higher education, Celsa was always there in support of their needs. Celsa truly lived her life by Matthew 25:40.
Celsa was predeceased by her parents, and her sister Vangline. Celsa is survived by her children, three grandchildren, one great grandchild and her partner Mr. George Devoe of 10 Archibald St, Watervliet, NY.
Celsa’s family wishes to thank everyone at the Desmond Hotel for the kindness, love and support given to Celsa and her family in their times of need. The family also extends a special thank you to the nurses, nurse aids, Sister Val, and staff of the Riverside Center Rehabilitation & Nursing for their outstanding professional care and tender compassion for Celsa during her short stay.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Celsa Aquiman (Emata), please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.