Lolita Ballesteros

As we gather to celebrate the life of Lolita Ballesteros, we’re hoping that you learn how she unconditionally shared her love, was incredibly patient, and made numerous sacrifices to benefit those she held near to her heart. Throughout her life, she has taught each and every one of us life lessons we will continuously practice and carry on through the generations. Despite her quiet demeanor and mild-mannered attitude, she was the driving force of this family, hardworking, humble, our peacekeeper, and forgiving.

Due to her upbringing in the Philippines, she stayed true to her simple, traditional ways and instilled some of those values and morals in her children. Lolita was born in Baguio City, Philippines on January 20, 1954, to Alipio Sr and Alejandra Ballesteros also known as Anang and Inang. The two raised eleven children total with Lolita being the tenth child. The eldest was Ernesto. Then came Gloria, Emilia, Alfredo, Marcelina, Marcpol, Elvira, Alipio Jr, Rogelio, and then came the two youngest Lolita and Romeo. Lolita grew up in the Philippines and attended Quezon Elementary School where she had many playmates. During her adolescent years, she went to Baguio City High School and graduated in March of 1971.

She fell in love in December of 1973, in which she met her former husband Dennis. Her sister Emelia petitioned for her to reside in Guam in 1975. They continued their courtship until their marital union in 1977 in the Baguio City Cathedral. Following their union, they traveled to America where she gave birth to her four children: Eric, born in 1979, was driven by his curiosity and in turn would get scolded for bringing home dead lizards and becoming filthy from playing outside; Joanrae, born in 1981, was the enforcer and protector of her siblings and mother; Kevinn, born in 1983, was full of energy, athletic, and smart; Nicole, born in 1985, was the beautiful, kind, and free-spirited.

She started her journey in the workforce working as a hotel service maid at the Sheraton Hotel in San Diego. She then went on to work at a check-cashing cage for the Navy Exchange on the 32nd Street and Point Loma naval stations. While maintaining a career during the day, she worked towards a bachelor’s degree at National University by attending evening courses. On October 2, 1988, she attained her bachelor’s in Business Administration with an emphasis in Financial Accounting. Shortly thereafter, she separated from her former husband. Despite this unfortunate circumstance, she was still determined to raise her children lovingly, independently, and to the best of her ability.

She continued her sacrifices in caring for her mother, Inang, who relocated from Guam to help with raising her four children (Eric, Joanrae, Kevinn, and Nicole) while she worked two jobs. For several years, she worked as a bank teller at the USA Federal Credit Union while also working as a tax preparer with H&R Block. Lolita did what she could to provide for all of her children. With her unconditional support, Lolita’s four children excelled in sports and academics. In raising them, she was determined to do what was necessary in order to help them to obtain their high school educations and achieve their diplomas: Eric (1997), Joanrae (1999), Kevinn (2001), and Nicole (2003). Lolita’s last place of employment was with Pechanga Casino. She worked for that organization for 8 years prior to her falling ill.

Lolita’s children all went on to start their careers and their achievements are evident in their current successes. Eric is a Gunnery Sergeant in the US Marine Corps serving 17 years of naval service. Joanrae graduated from SDSU with a bachelor’s in Communications and is working towards a second bachelor’s in Nursing at CSUSM. Kevinn is a Staff Sergeant in the US Marine Corps serving 13 years of naval service. Nicole has a successful career working in accounts payable and is also working towards her associate’s degree with a concentration in Accounting.

She is also survived by her multiple grandchildren: Kristopher, Ayden, Branden, and Ethan (parents are Joanrae and Jason); Jorell & Arianna (parents are Kevinn and Danna); and Alyssa & Andrew (parents are Nicole and Jay). Eric and Marife are the recent newlyweds who have plans to start a family in the near future. Her life was filled with loving memories of her children and the grandchildren she cared for and helped raise.

Arrangements under the direction of Glen Abbey Mortuary, Bonita, CA.