Valerie G. Balubar's Obituary
Hayward, CA – Valeriana “Valerie” (Gonzales) Balubar, 89, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, September 29, 2015 after a recent stroke at Eden Medical Center in Castro Valley, CA. Valerie was born on December 6, 1925 in Illocos Sur, The Philippines to R. Gonzales & Adela Rivera. She was the fifth and last survivor of nine children (Pedring, Loreto, Flora, Leonarda, Bening, Johnny, Juanita, and Bernie).It was on a surprise blind date arranged by friends, Aveline and Pacifico Abaya, that she met a handsome Army soldier named Eligio. Valerie and Eligio were married on December 27, 1947. They were married 44 years at the time of Eligio’s passing.In 1948 Valerie followed her husband to San Francisco and eventually became an American citizen. In San Francisco, with her husband, they raised their children. While raising her children she obtained a nursing degree by attending night school. She worked as a nurse at San Francisco General Hospital. She found time for philanthropy and served as President of Filipino Woman’s club in San Francisco and volunteered at San Francisco Opera House.Valerie encouraged others to seek education and led by example. With her daughters’ insistence she obtained a driver’s license at age 52. She obtained a real estate license. She sold, owned and operated several residential care facilities, including West Mohr Lodge, in Hayward.Her family and friends will remember Valerie as an active woman who enjoyed many styles of dance, sessions of mah jong games with dear friends and an adventurous traveler. She visited many foreign countries including Italy, Amsterdam, Greece, Beirut, Russia, Dubai, and Egypt.She was predeceased by her husband Eligio Balubar and son-in-law John Sullivan. She is survived by her four daughters Esther Balubar Sullivan of Montrose, Alice Balubar Okerstrom (Chris) of Santa Rosa, Grace Balubar Boeger (Bogie) of Wilton, Eunice Balubar of Las Vegas, NV and adopted son, Mariano “Leo” Balubar (Christela) of Stockton; nine grandchildren (Allison Estolas, MaryAnn and Jonathan Sullivan, James and Joseph Okerstrom, Samantha Boeger and Carolyne, Greg and Julian Balubar) and one great granddaughter.Services to celebrate Valerie’s life will be held at Chapel of the Chimes, 32992 Mission Blvd, Hayward, CA 94545. Visitation will be from 5-9 p.m., on Tuesday, October 6. Mass and Funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 7 at St. Joachim’s Catholic Church, 21250 Hesperian Blvd, Hayward, CA 94541. Interment, beside her husband, at Chapel of the Chimes.Memorial donations in Valerie’s name can be made to St. Anthony’s Dining Room, San Francisco.
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