Roberta Fernando Espino June 8, 1927 - June 13, 2023 In Loving Memory of Roberta Fernando Espino  Roberta Fernando Espino, a beloved matriarch, passed away on the morning of Tuesday, the 13th of June, 2023, at the blessed age of 96. She now rests peacefully, joining her late husband, Reynaldo R. Espino, Sr., and her late sons, Eduardo and Melchor Espino, in eternal embrace. Roberta is survived by her remaining eight children, Aprilina, Reynaldo Jr., Fernando, Edna, Roberto, Annabelle, Luningning, and Gener, her grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Roberta was born on the 8th of June, 1927, to her father Pedro Fernando and mother Maxima Lopez in San Pedro, Guagua, Pampanga of the Philippines. From a young age, Roberta showed great intellect and tenacity. She was only a teenager when the Japanese invaded the Philippines in WWII. At the tender age of 14, Roberta got sick with a fever, and in the days she spent recovering from her illness, studied and taught herself how to speak Japanese. To prove herself useful to the Japanese soldiers, she became an interpreter and helped them navigate the markets. Her favorite parlor trick was writing the soldiers’ names in Japanese on watermelons. She was a natural born businesswoman, displaying grit and determination in every endeavor. Roberta was an extraordinary woman known for her incredible strength, compassion, generosity, and unwavering love for her family. Though she spent the first half of her life poverty-stricken, she was a skilled homemaker, and nurtured her home with warmth and love, creating a haven for her family to thrive. She didn’t have much, but she worked tirelessly to provide for her family. One of her many businesses included traveling to different markets, buying and selling fish, fruits, and vegetables for profit. Roberta’s son, Reynaldo Jr., joined the US Navy and in 1989, petitioned her to immigrate to the United States, where she spent some years with him and his family. She made frequent trips back home to the Philippines; visiting her other children and grandchildren, and gave back generously to her relatives and community. Eventually, Roberta moved to Brandon, Florida to live with her son Fernando, and was later joined by her children Gener, Annabelle, Roberto, Luningning and their families. This is where she lived out the rest of her precious life, surrounded by love and given the utmost care. Within the Espino clan, Roberta held a special place as the head of the family. As a true matriarch, she not only raised her ten children, but played a significant role in molding and caring for each of her grandchildren. Her culinary prowess was unmatched, as she could whip up the most delicious meals that brought joy to the hearts and stomachs of her loved ones. Her humor and wit lit up the room, and her family cherished the immense laughter she brought to their lives. She fiercely defended her loved ones, standing as a steadfast protector in times of need. Roberta achieved many great things in her life, but perhaps the greatest of them all is the impact she had on her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren whom she loved so fervently and unconditionally. Today, her family tree spans multiple continents, and her legacy of love and the importance of family will live on through them for generations to come. Roberta's life was as remarkable as she was, and it stands as a testament to her inner strength, kindness, and zest for life. Everything she did, she did wholeheartedly. She embraced every moment with enthusiasm and spread joy wherever she went. Her memory will forever be etched in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her. Though we mourn the loss of an extraordinary woman, let us also rejoice in the beautiful memories and profound impact Roberta had on our lives. Her spirit will continue to shine brightly, guiding and inspiring us as we move forward. Friends and family are invited to gather for a memorial service from 09:00 am to 11:00 am on the 21st of June, 2023, at Brandon Cremation and Funeral Services, located at 106 Rolling Hills Blvd., Valrico, FL, 33594. Following the burial services at Serenity Meadows, 6919 Providence Rd, Riverview, Florida 33578, at 1pm we invite you to celebrate Roberta's life at 1906 Red Fox Lane, Brandon, Florida 33510. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Roberta's honor to Aging With Dignity. You can donate to Aging With Dignity on their website at www.AgingwithDignity.org. Together, let us honor Roberta F. Espino and carry forward her legacy of love, resilience, and unwavering devotion to family. "And I heard a voice from heaven saying, 'Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.' 'Blessed indeed,' says the Spirit, 'that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!'" - Revelation 14:13