Avelyn Villanueva Peralta

Avelina “Avelyn / Belen / Nanang” Cabanting Villanueva Peralta, DeGuzman was born in the Philippines in the town of Pilar, Abra on October 13, 1935. She is seventh of twelve children to Mariano and Genoveva Villanueva. She married Narciso Peralta, her child and high school town’s mate, and gave birth to five children: Edgar, Roy, (Naravel) Lisa, Leo, and Junior (Narciso).

After the death of her husband in 1963, Avelina tried to support her family by earning her bachelor’s degree in education and becoming a teacher. As a single parent of five, her teacher’s salary was inadequate for raising her family so she moved to Vietnam with her sister Lydia and Lydia’s husband Manuel Valera to take advantage of an economic opportunity. With the active battle of the Vietnam War headed towards Saigon, she returned to the Philippines and her children.

In the late 1960s, Avelina came to the United States through the sponsorship of her brother Marcelino, who was a member of the US Army. She began working for Frito-Lay and within a couple of years of working at the processing plant on North King Road, she was able to bring her four youngest children to the US. After a quarter century as a Qualify Control technician, she went into early retirement.

Avelina enjoyed gardening, bowling, casino trips and the company of others. She traveled with her siblings, family, and friends on pilgrimages to Europe and other localities. She is survived by her older sister Petronicia Arcena, younger brother Ranie Villanueva, five children, nine grandchildren (Joshua, Marti, Dana, Brannon, Marc, Kevin, John Paul, Shane, Jade), and three great-grandchildren (Audrey, Evan, Elliana). On February 17, 2022, Avelina joined her parents Genoveva and Mariano Villanueva, along with her siblings Marc, Sally, Don, Lydia, Ernesto, Lacerio, Antonio, Juan, and Pedro. Through the mercy of God, may she rest in peace.

A visitation for Avelyn will be held Monday, March 7, 2022 from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM at Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary, 466 North Winchester Blvd, Santa Clara, CA 95050. A Vigil will occur Monday, March 7, 2022 from 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM, 466 North Winchester Blvd, Santa Clara, CA 95050. A Committal Service will occur Tuesday, March 8, 2022 from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 2650 Madden Ave, San Jose, CA 95116. A Mass will occur Tuesday, March 8, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Victor Church, 3109 Sierra Rd, San Jose, CA 95132.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.limafamilysantaclara.com for the Villanueva Peralta family.