Cristina Cuento

Cristina Enriquez Cuento, 81, Topeka, Kansas, passed away Saturday, December 10, 2022. Cristina was born January 20, 1941, in Manila, Philippines, the daughter of Celestino and Sixta Enriquez. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Far Eastern University. Her first teaching job was at Mt. Carmel School in Infanta, Quezon, where she met her husband. She taught in public schools before coming to Topeka. On June 5, 1966, Cristina and Amador Cuento were united in marriage, enjoying 45 years together prior to his death September 13, 2011. Cristina and Amador were devout Catholics. They were members at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church and were founding members of Christ the King Church. Cristina could be found at Church for daily Mass and Perpetual Adoration. She was a member of the Daughters of Isabella and volunteered for whatever was needed at the Church. She was also a member of the Serra Club, promoting vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Although Cristina and Amador didn’t have any children of their own, they sponsored numerous children in the US and Philippines with financial support for education and daily living. They loved sports, especially KU and the KC Chiefs. Cristina loved to dance, teaching many to do Filipino folk dance and performed for may events in Topeka. She was an avid supporter of the Filipino American communities in Topeka and surrounding communities. Her home was a favorite stop for Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. It was open to anyone for a quick meal or simple visit. Anyone homesick for the Philippines would come to her. Cristina and Amador emigrated to Topeka in 1970. He worked for ATT until his retirement and Cristina started at St. Vincent’s Home as kitchen help before being promoted to dietician. When the Home closed, she worked at the Boy’s Industrial School in the kitchen and once again was promoted to supervisor and dietician until her retirement. Cristina was also preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Teodorico (Teresita) and Celestino, Jr. Survivors include her sisters, Eden Johnson and her son, Michael; Concepcion Reyes (Pepe), Buena Enriquez, Dolor Elizabeth Johnson (Lee) and their four daughters and 14 grandchildren; her brother, Ping Enriquez (Diana), their son, Matthew (Ashley) and their daughter, Ruby; nephews, nieces, and cousins from the Enriquez-Cuento families; and Francis Mascarenhas, who was like a son to Cristina. Cristina was cremated according to her wishes. The Daughters of Isabella will lead the rosary Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at 4 p.m. at Christ the King Church, where visitation will follow until 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Church. Inurnment will be in the Philippines. Cristina requested attendees wear bright and colorful attire to her services. Memorial contributions may be made to Christ the King Church, 5973 SW 25th Street, Topeka KS 66614. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

Cristina Cuento

January 20, 1941 - December 10, 2022