Ernestina Rancano

Ernestina “Tina” Rancaño passed away peacefully of natural causes in Modesto, CA on May 18. 2022. Born in Havana, Cuba on September 1, 1927 to Ernesto Cuadra and Amada Landrove, Tina spent her early years studying piano and playing with her sister, Marta and brother, Angel. She married David Rancaño, her partner of 61 years, and had three thriving sons, David, Juan Carlos, and Ernesto.
A lifelong educator, Tina earned a teaching credential from the University of Havana before leaving Cuba for the US in 1962. Ultimately settling in Modesto, she taught in city schools for over 15 years. She also had a passion for music which she shared through private piano lessons. 

Tina remained proud of her Cuban heritage throughout her long life. She was a founding member of the Hispanic American Society. She was an excellent cook, famous for her Cuban black beans, and a fastidious homemaker. She loved to dance salsa and cha-cha-cha to the rhythms of the Caribbean. 

She was also an active member of the Saint Stanislaus parish for which she served as choral director for many years. She was a quick wit with a great sense of humor who took pride in her appearance, her home and her family. She will be deeply missed but she lives on through the countless people whose lives she touched. 

Tina joins her husband, David, and son, Juan Carlos, in rest. She is lovingly remembered by her sons David and Ernesto, her nine grandchildren and her many friends. 

A Visitation and Rosary will be held on June 1, 2022 at Franklin and Downs Funeral Home located at 1050 McHenry Avenue, Modesto Ca starting at 4:30pm with Rosary to start at 6:00pm. Mass will be held on June 2, 2022 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church located at 1416 Maze Blvd, Modesto Ca at 10:00am, with burial to follow at Lakewood Cemetery located at 900 Santa Fe Ave, Hughson, Ca.

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