Imelda "Mel" P. Abayon

Imelda was born September 16, 1939 in Manila to Felecita Brocal and Isidro dela Paz. She was the third eldest of 13 brothers and sisters.

Imelda was a self-described "tom boy" that loved to climb trees, play "boys games" like kick the can and she enjoyed playing cards. Her favorite place as a child was to climb a building and sit and stare at the clouds. She told stories of how she loved to compete against boys because she loved beating them in games like kick ball, tree climbing and jacks. Despite her love to compete she was also a many time over beauty queen including Miss GIS, Miss Santacrusan, and winner of the Night Owl TV show where she was recognized for her beauty and her dancing talent. She was also in four movies including one with Fernando Po Jr.

When Imelda was 20, her neighbor, Maynard Carreon brought over his cousin, Ruben, to meet her and her family. What Imelda saw was a handsome, charismatic, but YOUNG man. After many years of courting her and enduring many dates with her little brothers tagging along, Ruben, asked for her hand in marriage.

Ruben and Imelda, were married on Feb 8, 1966 in a "secret" civil marriage with only a few close friends in attendance. Ben joined the US Military to save money for a grand catholic wedding that would include many family and friends. He always worked to impress Imelda and show her how much he loved her. They wed in a lavish Catholic wedding in Sta Mesa on February 25th, 1968, surrounded by hundreds of family and friends.

This was the beginning of a life filled with love, friendship, laughter and lots and lots of dancing. Imelda was a generous friend and opened her home to anyone who needed a place to live, to spend a weekend in San Diego, or just to enjoy friendly and a meal. She always made time for the needs of others and quietly supported many of her family members in the Philippines and several Catholic organizations generous donations.

Imelda was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She was dedicated to her family, always putting her family above all else. She loved Ruben fiercely and spent a lifetime creating moments together, listening to her favorite songs by Elvis, Paul Anka or Neil Sedaka. Together, they have three children, Dee, Mela, and Rubel and four grandchildren, Ella (Dee), Tyler (Mela), Brendon (Mela), and Lorenzo (Rubel). She always wanted to spend time with her kids and grandkids- whether it was playing games, taking them to the beach, having dance competitions, or even learning the latest TikTok dance with Dee and sending it to the family group chat. If one of the kids or grandkids were not with her, she would spend her time texting them or watching videos of them - especially of Zo.

Although the last few years she became fragile, she instilled in us courage and hope and reminded us of the preciousness of life, family, and loving each other no matter what we faced. She was feisty and strong, sweet and loving, and right up to the end, always thinking about her family. She will always be remembered for her beauty, her beautiful laugh, her love for life, her happy go lucky outlook and for loving her family with all her heart.

A visitation for Imelda will be held:

Wednesday, March 2, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Glen Abbey Chapel of the Roses

3838 Bonita Road, Bonita, Ca.

A visitation with Vigil will be held

Thursday, March 3, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Rosary to begin 5pm

Vigil to being 6pm

Glen Abbey Chapel of the Roses

3838 Bonita Road, Bonita, Ca. 91902

A funeral mass will occur Friday, March 4, 2022 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Corpus Christi Parish, 450 Corral Canyon Road, Bonita, Ca. 91902.

A committal service will occur Friday, March 4, 2022 from 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM

Glen Abbey Memorial Park, 3838 Bonita Road, Bonita, Ca.

Fond memories, pictures, and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.glenabbeysandiego.net for the Abayon family.

Condolences may be sent to:

Abayon Family

10450 Oak Ranch Place

Escondido, CA 92026