Donata “Joni” Rola

Donata (Joni) Rola passed away on Friday evening, December 15, 2017 surrounded by her children at her home in Riverside, California. Joni was born on August 7, 1939 in the Philippines, in the town of Lusacan, Tiaong in the province of Quezon. She is the youngest of 7 children. Her parents, both deceased, are Crispina Generoso Catalino Marquez. Joni was predeceased by her husband, Rafael R. Rola, of Los Banos, Laguna, Philippines. Joni is survived by her brothers Pete, Joe and Teddy; her children Rachel, Fay, Doms, Apple and Cris; her grandchildren Marie, Frances, Ella, Ienne, Alex, Breanna, Andrew, Niquey, Nikko, Tina and Rica, and her great granddaughter Amelie. Joni attended Santa Isabel College and completed her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education, Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education, and a Bachelor of Arts in Home Economics. She also completed a Masters Degree in Commerce. Joni also studied Culinary Arts and Voice Culture. She taught elementary school in her hometown and later taught high school at Sacred Heart College in Lucena City. Joni married Rafael Rola and later moved to San Jose, Occidental Mindoro where they raised five children. It was here that Joni started her long career at the Bureau of Internal Revenue. She was also a prolific entrepreneur, establishing multiple businesses including a home gift shop, manufacturing sports uniforms, and for a time was the towns distributor of the national newspaper magazine. With her husband, she started and managed Dalampasigan Beach Resort Restaurant, which is still in business today. While in San Jose, Joni her husband were active members of the community and the church, where Joni was a Cursillista and a soloist in the choir. Upon her retirement, Joni migrated to the U.S., and spent time traveling between the Philippines, Australia and the U.S.- visiting her children and grandchildren. In Riverside, she lived with Rachels family, and helped manage the family business, As You Like It Catering in Corona. Joni was a loving mother, a fiercely loyal friend and protector, a lover of plants birds, and a devout Catholic. She loved to cook, enjoyed walks, and always looked forward to “Skype-ing” with her family, especially her grandchildren. She was a frequent traveler, and loved to visit new places and try new things. She was a terrible bowler, but enjoyed bowling with her kids. When asked who her favorite child is, she always said “its the one who needs me at this moment.” Finally, Joni loved to dance; and her children take solace knowing she and their dad are finally dancing the tango again in heaven. Memorial services will be on Friday, December 22, 2017. A viewing will be held at Thomas Miller Mortuary, 1118 East Sixth Street in Corona, California, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by the Funeral Mass at 12:00 PM at St. Catherine of Alexandria Church at 7005 Brockton Avenue in Riverside. A memorial reception will follow. Visitation Location Not Available Friday 12/22, 9:00 am - 11:00 am Service St. Catherine of Alexandria Catholic Church 951-781-9855 | Friday 12/22, 12:00 pm