Aurora Quilang Cepeda

With deep sadness we announce the passing of our beloved matriarch, Aurora ("Auring") Quilang Cepeda. Her beautiful soul left this world to be with her Lord and Savior on June 28, 2026 in Georgetown, Texas at the age of 95. She was born on January 22, 1931 to Clodualdo and Maria Cepeda in Iguig, Cagayan, Philippines. Her birth came very early in the morning, which is why her papa named her Aurora for "morning twilight". She graduated from Cagayan High School with Honors, and eventually attained her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Philippine Normal College (now University) and The University of Akron, respectively. She began her career as an elementary school teacher and rose to become a college professor. She then worked as an Analyst with the U.S. Embassy in Manila before emigrating to the United States in 1969. She worked for several years as the Psychologist for the Medina County School District in Ohio. She also participated in many educational panels with focus on children with learning disabilities, and presented at many conferences throughout the country. She was awarded and proudly earned her PhD from NOVA Southeastern University in 1991. Upon her retirement, she moved permanently to Texas to be closer to family. Throughout her life she was faithfully engaged in church services, her community and volunteer work. She grew up in the United Methodist Church and her passion to be actively involved in its life was rooted in the Linao Methodist Church to which she remained devoted throughout her life. Growing up, she often attended MYF meetings with her mama. Her involvement in the ministry began when she was still in college, and collaborated with other Methodist leaders and workers in the Northern Philippine Methodist Conference of the Cagayan Province; including counseling to other young adults and teenagers. She would always bring amazing snacks (garlic-flavored peanuts!) to their conferences and that is how her group came to call themselves “The Peanut Gang”. A friend from that time recalls her as “someone who knew how to draw the best out of people”. She was actively involved and sang in the choir at her local United Methodist Church in Medina, as well as at her church in Killeen. She served in various servant leadership roles on several church committees, including leadership positions with the United Methodist Women at all levels, and as conference representative to the United Methodist Women's Program Advisory Group. She had an unwavering faith in God, which she joyfully shared with others. Aurora grew up in humble beginnings, but she was graced with a vibrant spirit that defined her entire life. She wasn't just an aunt and sister; she was a second mother, grandmother, a confidante, a mentor, and the glue that held our extended family together. Known for her unmatched wisdom, her hearty laugh, and her unconditional love, she made everyone feel seen and cherished. She absolutely loved singing, listening to and telling jokes, and attending our family celebrations and reunions; nothing made her happier than being surrounded by her loved ones. Aurora was a woman with a deep devotion to God and a strong guiding light who committed herself to uplifting and supporting those around her. Whether she was offering sage advice, or bringing her famous pinangngag, bibingka or puto maya to family or church gatherings, she knew exactly how to make any situation better. She enjoyed cooking, travel, her church fellowships, as well as tending to her tranquil garden filled with her favorite flowers and vegetables. She taught us the value of resilience, unwavering love, and family unity. She is preceded in death by her beloved parents, and her cherished brothers Bernabe and Virgilio. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy of tradition, and is survived by her loving sister, Monina C. Fowler, her devoted brother Claude Q. Cepeda (Wilma), many nieces and nephews, and extended family who will miss her every single day. A celebration of Aurora's wonderful life will be held at a later date. Details will be announced once they are finalized.

Aurora Quilang Cepeda

January 22, 1931 - June 28, 2026