Veneranda Rabor

Veneranda (“Vene”) Sabalones Rabor, a 45-year resident of the High Desert, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 20, 2023 in her home in Hesperia, California. She was born in Bohol, Philippines on June 17, 1932 to Juan and Irene (Tiu) Sabalones. She was preceded in death by her dear husband, Antonio (“Tony”) A. Rabor, MD She is survived by her 4 children: Linda (David) McCary of Hesperia, California; Donald (Sue) Rabor, MD of Broomfield, Colorado; Virginia Moran of Victorville, California; Leticia “Joy” (Robert Parker) Rabor of Escondido, California. Most precious to Vene were her, 9 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren who lovingly called her “Lola” or “Nanay:” grandchildren Kyle McCary (Rancho Cucamonga, California), Kory McCary (San Diego, California), Kellee (Aaron) Brace (Hesperia, California), Arianna Rabor (Broomfield, Colorado), Alana Rabor (Broomfield, Colorado), Jessica Moran (Victorville, California), Alyssa Armstrong (Reseda, California), Daniel Moran (Reseda, California), and Rebekah Moran (Riverside, California); great-grandchildren Malakai Armstrong and Leia Armstrong (Reseda, California), and Jack Brace and Zoey Brace (Hesperia, California). Although Vene was born into a large family of more than a dozen siblings, only 2 sisters remain: Angel Barr and Anita Dorse of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Vene earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education in 1954 from the University of San Carlos in Cebu City, Philippines, and worked as a 9th grade Algebra teacher before she met and married Tony in 1959. She lived a life of deep faith, commitment and service, having been a long-time member of and generous contributor to Our Lady of the Desert Catholic

Church in Apple Valley, California. In addition, Vene, Tony, and a small group of like-minded friends established the Philippine-American Association of the High Desert in 1978. This nonprofit, educational organization (now discharged) aimed to provide social, cultural, and fellowship opportunities for Filipino immigrants and those interested in learning more about the Filipino culture. Many of those founding members are no longer with us; but the organization, its cultural activities over the years, and colorful, fun-loving members like Vene have left lasting, fond memories for many who partook in the entertainment, dancing, and food—especially the food! Vene was known by family, friends, and colleagues alike as an excellent cook, a gracious, attentive hostess, and a skilled, tactical mahjong player. Her kindness and generosity, though, are what will be remembered by all who know and love her.

To Vene, her greatest accomplishment was her family. To her family, Vene’s greatest accomplishment is the legacy of love, faith, and selflessness we learned from her example. She will be greatly missed. A celebration of her life will be held on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at Sunset Hills Memorial Park and Mortuary, 24000 Waalew Road, Apple Valley, California. Services begin at 9am with visitation, followed by a rosary, Catholic funeral, graveside service, and reception.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in the name of Veneranda S. Rabor to Catholic Charities of San Bernardino & Riverside Counties (www.ccsbriv.org).