Mariesther Doniego Obituary (1960 - 2020)

Mariesther Bandulin Doniego, 59, was called to be with the Lord on March 31st of 2020, at 7:37am, at home with her children by her side. Mariesther Bandulin brought light into this world on July 4th, 1960 in Iguig, Cagayan, Philippines. She immigrated to the United States when she was 15 years old and is the third of seven siblings. Mariesther began to build a family in 1980 and was blessed with four children by 1995 during her marriage with Angel Doniego. She earned her GED, worked for Bank of America, Safeco Insurance, and worked many temporary jobs until she began hosting exchange students while taking Business and Math courses at South Seattle College. Mariesther was a very resourceful single mother and owned the home she lived in for over 20 years. She treasured each small winning and highly valued family. She was compassionate, generous and accepting. She gave joy to helping others; from cleaning up after family parties to leaving her door open for friends and family if they needed somewhere to stay. Mariesther lead Novena prayers for many departed souls, she had said it was her way of serving God. Her late friend (Felina) passed down an amazing carioca recipe to Mariesther, which left everyone at family gatherings wanting more. Not only was she known for her famous and distinct carioca, but more so, her contagious big smile and remarkably loud laugh. Her friends and family will miss her bold and kind soul. Mariesther was admitted to Swedish hospital on February 24th due to a mass on her left scapula. After multiple tests and scans, she was diagnosed with metastatic Stage IV Lung Cancer on February 27th. On the day of her first radiation appointment, she was rushed into the ER due to complications, her lungs bleeding and a blood clot that had formed in her left leg. This same day, March 19th, she underwent an emergency surgery to remove a clot from her leg. Although it was a successful surgery, the cancer had rapidly spread and unfortunately, she came home on March 24th for hospice care. One week later, on March 31st, Mariesther ended her journey here on Earth. Mariesther was a fighter long before she was diagnosed with a terminal illness. No matter the circumstance, she displayed great courage, humility, perseverance, strength and most importantly, remained steadfast in her faith until the end of her time. Mariesther is survived by her four children, Marijune Doniego, Emily Doniego, Shawn Doniego, Prinnces Doniego; (four grandchildren), Solaya Doniego-Garcia, Dominik Albano, Cassius Albano, Mason Doniego; (five siblings), Cayetana Baccay, Proceso Bandulin Jr., Kathryn Bandulin, Vivian Bustillos, Lanie Ramos. Mariesther is preceded in death by her younger brother Ronald Bandulin, father Proceso Ruma Bandulin and mother Emiliana Cuntapay Bandulin.