Thelma Octavo

Thelma P. Octavo, 72 passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 2 at Palomar Hospital from complications of metastatic breast cancer. She was the wife of Oscar A. Octavo. They shared 49 years of marriage. Born in Dagupan City, PI, on September 12, 1943, she was the daughter of Roman B. Paras and Aleja G. Paras. After earning her Nursing Degree at Luzon College, School of Nursing, she came to the US in 1965 with a nursing student exchange program at the University of Pennsylvania. Thelma and her new husband relocated to Chicago, IL in 1967. After living in Chicago for 12 years, in 1978, they moved the family to sunny San Diego, CA. During her 38 year nursing career, had a broad range of experience; working in the ER, ICU, on the floor and NICU. Along the way, she channeled her entrepreneurial spirit. She became a stylist and opened Paras Beauty Supply and Salon in the late 90's. After which, she opened a fast food Chinese, Paradise Wok, serving hungry bingo players at Barona. Upon her return to nursing, she started working for Aurora Behavioral Health Care, where she was employed for 18 years. Thelma loved to garden. Her home in Escondido offered her space to show off her green thumb. It was constantly a bloom with roses and orchids, along with a year-round supply of fruit and vegetables. She also enjoyed time with her granddaughter and grandpups and quick trips to the local casinos. She is survived by her husband, Oscar, two daughters, Jo Ann and Bobbi, granddaughterAshley, and grandpups, Chocho-san and Frankie. Surviving siblings include Aurora P Parayno, Maxima P. Fernandez, Norma P. Queyquep and Jules G. Paras. She was predeseased by parents, Roman B. Paras and Aleja G. Paras, siblings, Cresencia P. Paras, Nardito G. Paras, and Ricardo G. Paras, and son-in-law, Christopher Gerow. A viewing will take place on Tuesday, August 9, at El Camino Memorial, Sorrento Valley Chapel, 5600 Carroll Canyon Road, SD, CA 92121, from 4 - 8 pm. A mass will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Escondido, 1160 South Broadway, 92025 at 10 am on Wednesday, August 10. A celebration of Life reception will be held on-site immediatly following the mass. Graveside services will be at 10 am on Thursday, August 11 at El Camino Memorial, Sorrento Valley 5600 Carroll Canyon Road, SD, CA 92121.