Lorna Galvez's Obituary
Lorna Capistrano Galvez was born on May 21, 1949 in Tondo, Manila, Philippines. Lorna graduated High School from Bicol Central Academy in 1965. Throughout High School, she performed as a majorette for her school band. She was well known for being a good baton twirler. Lorna’s stunning beauty also won her the title of Ms. Junior in her third year of High School. She continued her education as a working student. She worked in the Registrar’s Office at University of Nueva Caceres where she also received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 1969. She taught at an elementary school in Libmanan, Bicol, Philippines until marrying her husband, Alejo Galvez in 1975. Lorna was a very talented woman and an eager learner. She continued her profession and also taught at an elementary school in Manaoag, Pangasinan, where she became fluent in speaking the local dialect. She then immigrated to the US as a permanent resident in 1976 to be with her husband. Alejo and Lorna bought their first home in Oakland, CA in 1978 where they raised their three children, Ylalaine, Al, and JR. Lorna was a dedicated wife and mother. She stayed home to care for her three children until 1986. She then followed her passion for cooking and worked for Hyatt, Westin and the Marriot Hotels. Her coworkers enjoyed her work ethic. She was organized, team oriented, and very dependable. In 1988, Alejo and Lorna, along with their children, moved to their second home in Fremont, California. Lorna continued to work for the Westin Hotel until her retirement in 2011 to become a full time grandmother to her three grandchildren at the time. During this time, she also traveled to Thailand, Philippines, Japan, and Alaska. Lorna was a very hard working woman with a big heart. She was a selfless woman who always thought of others needs first before her own. She was very sociable and easy to get along with. Her humor and smile could light up a room. She was loved by everyone that had crossed her path. She loved cooking for her family. She also enjoyed spending time with her four grandchildren. On March 31st, 2016, Lorna was hospitalized for suspected pneumonia and stayed in the hospital for ten days. On April 8, 2016, Lorna received the devastating news that she had a rare and aggressive T cell lymphoma. She was discharged from the hospital and spent three days with family at her daughter’s home. During those three days, she spent quality time with family and enjoyed watching her grandchildren play. Lorna’s health quickly declined and was readmitted into the hospital where she passed to be with the Lord on Thursday, April 14th, 2016. She is survived by her husband, Alejo Galvez; three children, Ylalaine Elefante, Al and JR Galvez; her son in law, Jojo Elefante; her daughter in law, Abigail Galvez; her four grandchildren, Jyselle and Aaron Elefante and Avery and Addison Galvez; her mother, Amparo Capistrano; her three brothers, Edgar, Alex, and Francisco Capistrao, Jr.; and numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces. She was preceded in death by her father, Francisco Capistrano; her brother, Bebot Capistrano; and sister, Avelina Rosales.
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