Leonida S. Vallar

If you were to join our dining table during any of our family gatherings, you’d find that there would always be space reserved for one thing: Lola’s lumpia. Leonida Sapin Vallar, known as “Lola” by her 10 grandchildren and 3 (soon to be 4) great-grand-children, held this confidential recipe that she perfected over decades of hand-making (and rolling) these fried, Filipino treats. Whether it was for a family party or given to someone just to freeze and “fry for later,” Lola made her lumpia with loving and caring intentions.

Lola cared about a lot of things. Along with cooking, she profoundly cherished her relationship with God. On any given day, one would find her deepening her spiritual connection with the Lord in some way: Praying in a Santo Nino prayer group, participating in a monthly 2000 Hail Mary’s meeting, or silently reciting the rosary in a home that affectionately displays religious icons and paintings. With and through God’s love, also came the love for her family.

Leonida was the matriarch of a large family: She raised 4 sons (Gerardo, Nestor, Victor and Rey) and handfuls of grandchildren. Being part of a big family seemed to be a natural expectation. Born on February 10, 1930, Leonida was the 8th of 9 children born to Victorino Sapin and Pia Vina in Imus, Cavite, Philippines. While being closely connected to her siblings, Lola kept her family foundations strong through her love for her husband, our “Lolo,” Vitaliano Vallar. Ten years her senior, Lolo and Lola were married for 55 years. Through the hardships (Lolo served as a Navy chef for years on end) and the good times, they enjoyed doing activities together like fishing, gardening, eating, and of course, raising the family. Both were devoted to each other, even upon Lolo’s passing nearly seven years ago. Maintaining her love and commitment to him, she visited his grave every week to replace flowers, to upkeep his tombstone, and to simply be with her “Teying.” And, even as she got weaker during the months prior to her own passing, she requested that her grandchildren continue her gesture of love.

Lola passed away in her home on June 2nd, 2012. She was 82 years old. As one of my Uncles remarked, Lola always wanted to be with Lolo, and right now, “she is probably dancing with Tatay; yes, dancing with a smile on her face.” Above her fiercely independent personality and all the love she shared with others through her cooking, caring, and prayers, one thing will always be remembered: Her smile. Not only is she smiling upon us, she is now smiling with us, and with Lolo by her side.

Please join our family as we honor, remember, and celebrate Lola. A viewing will be held on Friday, June 8th, 2012 from 1-9pm at the Little Chapel of Roses at Glen Abbey Mortuary in Bonita, CA. A funeral mass service will be held on Saturday June 9th, 2012 at 1pm at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in San Diego, CA. Immediately after, her burial service and final resting place will be at Glen Abbey Mortuary in Bonita, CA.

Although our family gatherings and meals will not be the same from now on, let us all help each other fill the empty spaces on our tables and in all of our hearts with warm memories of Lola’s life and spirit.