Charito R. Refuerzo

In Loving Memory of Charie
CHARITO RAFOLS REFUERZO

Charito Rafols Refuerzo, also known as Rosario Rafols Cimafranca, departed from this life into God’s loving arms on January 5, 2023, at the age of 60 in Tracy, California. Charie, affectionately known as Inday by her loving family and friends, was born on October 3, 1962, to Cesar and Amparo Cimafranca in Piñan, Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines. She was the apple of their eye;  they cherished and adored her. After completing her secondary education, she went on to study at the University of San Carlos in Cebu. In 1989, Charie immigrated to the United States with her baby son, Chad (Richard) to begin a new life. She worked as a Computerized Accountant Specialist for many years before she continued her education at the Solano School of Nursing.

Charie loved her family dearly, and they were the light of her life. She shared a special bond with her son, Chad. When he was young and had minor health issues, he recalls her warmth, unconditional love, comfort and support. She loved making Chad's favorite dish - spam, eggs, and rice. They loved watching World Wrestling Entertainment, WWE, especially The Rock together and Warriors basketball games. 

Charie shared the love of music with her children. Smooth jazz, soul, R&B, disco, new age music, and some K-pop were some of her favorites, and she loved Barry White and Luther Vandross. She enjoyed attending numerous Yanni concerts with her daughter Riza. She also enjoyed watching horror films; one of her favorite TV shows was Naked and Afraid.

Charie was an independent and fearless woman. In the early 2000’s, she was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and later co-developed chronic kidney disease. Much like the cats she adored, Charie had nine lives and many times over the years; she courageously overcame her illnesses and complications to continue pursuing her aspirations while continuing to work with patients.

In 2015, Charie fulfilled one of her long-standing goals of visiting her son, Paolo and his family in Singapore. After many years of planning, they were able to spend eight wonderful days of special moments together. One of her greatest wishes was to see her grandchildren for the first time and hug them. They will never forget their time together - laughing and playing. She was looking forward to her next trip to visit Paolo and his family, now in the United Kingdom. Her last visit to the Philippines was in 2019 for a short vacation to celebrate the 18th birthday of her eldest grandchild, Jackie. She often reminisced about her homeland and looked forward to visiting whenever her health would allow. 

As a passionate animal lover, she considered her pets to be family members. She had many pets, but Charie was most fond of cats. She could usually be found snuggled with her “babies'' at home. Whenever you spoke with Charie she would always ask for pictures of your pet. Her adoration for pets often led to her frequently calling her children to ask how their pets were doing.

She also loved shopping and traveling. Charie was fascinated with multicultural food. A few of her favorite foods include all things Filipino, seafood shells, lato, pho, chicken feet, fish and especially her cousin Leo’s cooking.

Charie is remembered with love and admiration by her children, Celebrity (Benedicto), Rhodora, Paolo (Karen), Diana, Richard (Maimi), Riza (Arturo); her grandchildren Jackie, Xavier, Ollie, Nathania, Cesar, Leia, and Jordan; former spouse, Isidoro Refuerzo, Jr. She was a wonderful step-mom and was loved dearly by her step-children, Michael, David, and Arianna (Derrick); step-grandchildren, Daric, Ciara and Caite. She is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and her beloved cat Oreo. She was preceded in death by her mother, Amparo and father, Cesar Cimafranca; she now joins them, resting in God’s grace.

The funeral service will be held at Fry Memorial Chapel, 550 South Central Avenue in Tracy, California, on Thursday, January 19, 2023. Visitation from 12 noon - 5:00 p.m. Prayer service at 2:00 p.m. Chapel services will be live-streamed via her tribute page at www.frymemorialchapel.com for family & friends unable to attend.

The family conveys their heartfelt appreciation to those who have shared their prayers and support. Floral arrangements can be made through Fry Memorial Chapel. Contributions to the family are appreciated.

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