Efigenia Centeno's Obituary
Efigenia “Geny” Sanchez Centeno, beloved wife, mother, sister (Ate), aunt (Tita), grandmother (Lola), great-grandmother, and dear friend, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2025, at the age of 91 in The Villages, Florida. Her life was a beautiful testament to serving God with love, resilience, and joy, and she leaves behind a legacy that will forever live in the hearts of those who knew her.
Born on September 21, 1934, and transported home by “banca” (boat) during a typhoon in the Philippines, Geny was the eldest daughter of six children to Jose Hernandez Sanchez and Angelita DeGuzman Sanchez. She grew up in Paco, Manila, where she began forming strength, grace, and determination that would define her life. A proud graduate of Araullo High School, she went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Santo Tomas, majoring in Physical Education with a minor in Philippine Language. She continued her studies at Ateneo de Manila University, pursuing graduate work in Psychology.
Geny was devoted in her Catholic faith and an active member of the church. Her life was filled with warmth, generosity, and a steadfast devotion to her family. She married the love of her life, Reynaldo Reselva Centeno, on June 25, 1966, and together they built a marriage full of love, dancing, and countless treasured moments. Rey and Geny came to America with their daughter, Rachel, in 1969. They lived in Brunswick, Ohio for 26 years and settled in The Villages, Florida in 2000.
A dancer at heart, Geny found joy and freedom in movement. Trained in ballet, jazz, Spanish flamenco, and Filipino folk dancing, she shared her talent generously, teaching folk dancing to members of the Filipino community at The Villages. Her spirit shone brightest when she was sharing something she loved with others.
Geny also expressed her love through food, filling her home with the comforting aromas of her cooking. She was widely known for her incredible meals and desserts (like adobo, pancit, leche flan) and especially her beloved hopia—a treat that became a symbol of her warmth, care, and the way she brought people together. Her joyful enthusiasm for teaching family and friends to play mahjong, poker, and dance to the Todo-todo created memories that will be cherished always. Above all, she was a devoted and proud grandmother who spoke to—and about—her grandchildren every single day.
Geny is survived by her daughter Rachel Lee (Tommy) grandchildren Julia Miller, Jade Miller (their father Paul Miller), Grace Dragunas and dog Dashi, daughter Catherine Leonard (Jeffery) grandchild Channing Centeno (Tatiana) great grandchild baby Simone Aubrey, grandchildren Kendall Leonard, Ryker Leonard, grandchild Tye Leonard (Katie) great grandchildren Cal, Virginia, Nox, and daughter Margie Hevezi (Lou) grandchildren Maximus Hevezi, Malia Hevezi, and dog Magic.
She is also survived by her siblings, Rogelio Sanchez (Sandra), Lito Sanchez (Dolly), and Rose Valencia, and brother-in-law Nilo Valencia and preceded in death by her siblings Jose Sanchez Jr (Merle), and Josefina Morona (Roberto). She is also remembered with love by many nieces/nephews, relatives, and friends whose lives were brightened by her kindness, humor, and generous heart.
A funeral mass and celebration of Geny’s remarkable life will be held at a future date in Ohio. Family and friends are warmly invited to gather, share memories, and honor the beautiful legacy she leaves behind. Details will be shared here when the date is confirmed.
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