Cresencia Rivera “Chris” Valencia died at her home in Oak Harbor on April 27, 2009, at the age of 71. Chris was born April 20, 1938, in Angeles City, Philippines, to Cesaro and Gertrudes Gamboa Rivera.

Chris was raised in the Philippines. In 1960, she married Victor Rivera. Victor had enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was transferred away from the Philippines. Chris remained at home until 1971, when she joined him in Hawaii. In 1975 they moved to Oak Harbor.

Chris worked for a time for Melco Electronics. She then worked for the Navy Exchange as a seamstress and tailor, until her retirement. She also did private tailoring for several years.

Chris was a very active member of St. Augustine’s Catholic Church and the Santa Cruzan Choir at church and the Fil-Am Society of Oak Harbor. She enjoyed gardening and taking care of her roses and playing bingo. Most of all she enjoyed her family.

Chris is survived by her husband Victor of Oak Harbor and by four children, Ariel Valencia and wife Kathy of Spanaway, Agnes Ellis and husband Don of Puyallup, Arceli Caldejon and husband Leo of Part Orchard and Alvin Valencia and wife Sharon of Puyallup; four brothers and sisters, Ofelia Rivera of Virginia, Ernesto Rivera of Alaska, and Sitang Palad and Siniong Rivera, both in the Philippines. She was preceded in death by one brother, Jose Rivera. Eight grandchildren and one “granddog,” Duke, also survive.

Mass of Christian Burial for Chris Valencia will celebrated at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church on Saturday, May 2, at noon with Rev. Philip Raether. A reception for family and friends will follow at the Parish Hall. Recitation of the Rosary was held on Friday evening. Private family inurnment will follow. Arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.