Philomena Donato Rivero Laurel died peacefully at the age of 96 on April 26, 2023 surrounded by her loving family. She is predeceased by her loving husband, Dr. Antonio F. Laurel and is survived by her six children, Antonio Mariano Laurel, Maria Ninfa Brazelton, Carlos Joaquin Laurel, Victor Emmanuel Laurel, Christopher Francis Laurel, Rey Emmanuel Laurel, their spouses, eight grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. She is also survived by four of her siblings, Salud Donato De Castro, Angeles Bautista, Raoul Donato and Maricar Donato.
Born in the historic city of Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines on October 5,1926, Philomena was the eldest of nine children born to Carmen and Mariano Donato. She attended Assumption High School, received her Bachelor’s degree in Economics at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, and ultimately completed her Masters at the University of Delaware in Wilmington. She was a member of the American Association of University Women, a board member of the State of California Medical Quality of Assurance under Governor Brown. She also was an avid follower of local and international politics.
On April 14, 1953, Philomena married the love of her life, Antonio F. Laurel in Manila, Philippines. Philomena and Antonio were devout Catholics and lived their lives serving Christ our Lord.
Philomena lived life to the fullest and with a unique sense of adventure and innovation! She moved to Delaware for her husband's medical residency, giving birth to her first child far away from her family. Nena and Tony moved back to the Philippines where they had five more children, residing much of that time on the remote island of Palawan where she helped her husband in his medical practice for the San Miguel Corporation.
In the 1970’s, Philomena formally immigrated to California with her husband and their six children where she dedicated much of her life to raising her children while also assisting in the development and management of Dr. Antonio’s private medical practice.
After raising her family, Philomena again demonstrated her sense of adventure and fearlessness by rediscovering the roots of her grandfather in Malaga, Spain, spending close to 30 years living part-time in Spain and part-time in Pacific Grove, California.
The last eleven years of her life, she resided with her son Victor and daughter-in-law, Darlene, who lovingly cared for her in the final years of her life.
The essence of our beloved mother can be captured in a quote by Maya Angelou:
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
EVENT DETAILS:
There will be a viewing at the Paul Mortuary at 390 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove, CA from 4 to 7pm on Thursday May 18th.
A Celebration of Life Mass will be held at St. Angela Merici Church, at Lighthouse & 10th Ave in Pacific Grove, CA at 10:30am on May 19th.
A reception will follow Mass at the Monterey Elks Lodge 150 Mar Vista Dr, Monterey, CA from noon to 4:00 pm.
Please join the family to share stories and memories about our beloved Abuelita!
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.5