Rebecca Velasco Bongato

Rebecca was daughter to Arturo and Victorina Velasco. On April 5, 1961, Rebecca married Domingo Bongato and in 1972, they immigrated to the United States and lived briefly in Hanford, later settling in Lemoore, in Kings County, California.

It was in Hanford, an unfamiliar place that Rebecca first learned to drive and began to build a life together with her husband and children. Rebecca was an exemplary mother and person. She had strength, unconditional love and unending generosity that could be seen in her care for her father and mother after they joined her in Lemoore, and toward her friends and co-workers. Rebecca, the eldest of four children was the first to arrive to the U.S. in her family and thereafter supported her sibling’s immigration process.

Rebecca though quiet, was hardworking and worked in various business industries in Kings County. Rebecca was a devout Catholic and regularly attended St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Lemoore.

Rebecca passed due to complications stemming from years of dementia.

Rebecca was predeceased by her husband, Domingo Bongato. Rebecca is survived by her children Celedonio (Yolanda) Bongato of Tulare, CA; Geneva (Joey) Sanchez of Surf City, NC; Leila Bongato (David Ross) Smith of Walnut Creek, CA, and Venus ‘Cindy’ (Rodolfo) Calderon of Cheyenne, WY; her grandchildren Joseph (Maria) Sanchez, Jasmine (Tanner) Harvey, Kathryne (Brandon) Staten, Jacob Calderon, Micah Bongato and Ambria Bongato; her sister Nora V. Harrigan of Lemoore, CA and brother Rolando N. Velasco of Calasiao, Philippines.

Rebecca’s memorial service will be held at the Visalia Cemetery. Date and time to be announced.