Gracia S. (Sindayen) Crisostomo

Gracia S. Crisostomo, known lovingly as Grace, passed away on May 11, 2026, in Clifton, New Jersey, at the age of 85. Born on July 29, 1940, in the Philippines, she lived a life marked by devotion, kindness, and quiet strength, touching the hearts of all who knew her.

Grace came to the United States in the early 1960s as part of the nursing exchange program, beginning a new chapter that would become the foundation of a long and meaningful career. She devoted 41 years of service as a Registered Nurse at Passaic General Hospital in Passaic, where she retired in 2012. Her work reflected her deep compassion and steady commitment to the care of others, and she was respected by colleagues and patients alike. She was also a proud member of the JNESO Nurses Union, where she stood with fellow nurses throughout her career.

Faith was an important part of Grace’s life. She was a devoted parishioner of St. Philip the Apostle R.C. Church in Clifton and also attended Mass at Holy Face Monastery in Clifton. Her faith guided her throughout her life and gave her strength, comfort, and purpose. She was known as a woman who lived her beliefs with sincerity and grace, and her presence in her church community was deeply valued.

Grace found joy in many simple pleasures. She loved ballroom dancing, watching tennis, and spending time in her garden, where she grew both flowers and vegetables with care. She also enjoyed regular visits to the Garfield YMCA, where she exercised and shared time with friends. Above all, she treasured her family and loved her grandchildren dearly, doing whatever she could to support and encourage them. She also extended her love and support to her nieces and nephews in the Philippines, remaining a steady and caring presence in their lives despite the distance.

She is survived by her daughter, Maria Medina, and her husband, Reggie; her son, Bobby Crisostomo, and his wife, Amy; her son, Rodrigo Crisostomo, and his wife, Alexandra; and her grandchildren, Andrian Shelton, Anamaria Medina, Bobby Crisostomo, Jr., and Julian Crisostomo. She is also survived by her sister, Mercidita “Evie” Sindayen; her brother, Juan Sindayen; her brother, Mamerto Sindayen; her sister-in-law, Carmen Crisostomo; her sister-in-law, Pilar Crisostomo; her brother-in-law, Ramon Crisostomo; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jose Crisostomo; her sisters, Milagros Legaspi and Julita Zaragoza. Grace will also be remembered with love by all who knew her as a funny, generous, and faith-filled woman whose warmth and humor brightened the lives around her. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the patients she cared for, the friends she made, and the many lives she touched through her kindness and devotion.

Visitation will be held Monday, May 18, 2026 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at Bizub-Quinlan Funeral Home, 1313 Van Houten Avenue, Clifton. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 9:15 am from the funeral home followed by a 10:00 am Mass at St. Philip the Apostle R.C. Church, 797 Valley Road, Clifton. Private cremation to follow. Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Face Monastery, 1697 State Route 3, Clifton, NJ 07013. www.holyfacemonastery.com  please visit www.bizubquinlan.com to leave condolences to the family on the Tribute Wall section of the online obituary.

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