I was born on June 3, 1946, in Ormoc Leyte, Philippines, to my parents, Paulino and Quirina Geronimo. My father served in the Philippine Army and was stationed in San Francisco, California. After my father became a United States citizen, he petitioned for my mother and me to join him. We arrived in San Francisco in October 1947.

Residency in Salinas, California
Our family eventually moved to Salinas while my father was stationed at Fort Ord. From 1948 to 1950, we lived in an apartment at 52 Natividad Road. In 1950, my parents purchased a property at 133 North Madeira Ave, which included two houses. I grew up with my four siblings: Julita, Leonie, Lucy, and Ronald.

Education
Sherwood Elementary School: 1952–1958
El Sausal Junior High: 1958–1960
Salinas High School: 1960–1964 (Graduated June 1964)
Hartnell College: 1964–1965

Family Life
I married Vicente Esponilla on February 1, 1965, at a courthouse, followed by a church wedding on May 22, 1965. We have four children: Anita, Paul, Stacey, and Vincent. Our family has grown to include 10 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and 5 step-great-grandchildren.

Professional Career
JM Smucker Company: I worked here for 34 years, starting in February 1971 until the facility closed on November 11, 2005.
Monterey Herald Newspaper: Following a brief period of unemployment, I worked here from 2006 until my retirement in 2008.

Community Involvement & Retirement
Since retiring, I have dedicated much of my time to community service and leadership
Filipino Community of Salinas Valley, Inc.: Joined as a board member in 2012 and have served as Secretary since 2016.
Salinas-Cebu Sister City: Joined in 2013 and currently serve as Secretary.
Retired Public Employee Association: Joined in 2016 and currently serve as Treasurer (elected in 2018).

In my free time, I enjoy participating in these organizations, line dancing, and spending quality time with my friends and family.