Josefina Belvis Bunuan

Born on November 19,1930, in Baguio, Philippines, Josefina Belvis Bunuan lived a life rich with love, dedication, and service to others, leaving a permanent mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Josefina pursued her education with determination, earning a Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in Home Economics from Baguio Colleges Foundation. Her passion for teaching led her to a fulfilling career as a 1st grade teacher at Bua Elementary School in Benguet, where she nurtured young minds for an impressive 36 years. Her dedication to her students was unwavering, and many of them fondly remember her as the teacher who shaped their early lives with care and compassion.

On June 14, 1953, Josefina married her soulmate, Andres L. Bunuan. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and mutual respect. Their marriage was a true partnership, rooted in shared values and a deep commitment to their family. They weathered the storms of life together, always emerging stronger and more in love with each passing year.

After her retirement from teaching, Josefina remained active in her community and church, where she continued to share her gifts and talents. In 1994, she and her husband, Andres made the courageous decision to migrate to the United States, seeking new opportunities and adventures. Despite the challenges of starting anew in a foreign land, Josefina embraced her new life with her characteristic resilience and optimism. She worked at McDonald’s and Great America, where she formed new friendships and continued to touch the lives of those around her with her kindness.

Josefina was an extraordinary chef, renowned for her ability to turn simple ingredients into mouthwatering dishes that brought people together. Her kitchen was always filled with the aroma of delicious food and the sound of laughter, as she loved to cook for her family and friends. Her garden was another source of pride and joy for her; she had a green thumb and could turn the most reluctant plants to flourish. Her garden was not just a space of beauty, but a testament to her nurturing spirit and love for nature. Produce from her garden were shared with friends.

She was also a dedicated member of her Tuesday prayer group, where she found strength and solace in her faith and the fellowship of her friends. Josefina had a playful side too—she loved playing bingo, and even though her hearing wasn’t the best, she never let that stop her from enjoying the game and the camaraderie that came with it.

Josefina was preceded in death by her siblings Susana, Ruperto, Jorge, Anacleta, Maximino, Teofilo Sr, Epifania, and Leonarda, who she now joins in eternal rest. She is survived by her younger sister, Estela, her children and her daughters-and-sons-in law: Cesar & Nitz, Andy Jr., Joy, Edward & Ella, Susan & Roland; Flor; her grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended relatives and friends, who were the light of her life. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, generosity and faith that will continue to inspire those who knew her. Through her faith, she was able to help four (4) AOR “son priests” in Baguio City, Philippines.

Josefina was the daughter of Julian Belvis and Sofronia Mendoza, who instilled in her the values of hard work, humility, and generosity that she carried throughout her life. She was a woman who lived for others, always putting the needs of her family and community before her own. Her life was a testament to the power of love, and she will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

As we say goodbye to Josefina, we take comfort in the knowledge that her spirit lives on in the lives she touched. She was a daughter, sister, mother, a grandmother, great grandmother, a teacher, and a friend, but above all, she was a woman who loved deeply and unconditionally. Her legacy will continue in the hearts of those who loved her, and her memory will be cherished forever.