Violeta R De La Merced

Violeta De La Merced, 92, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in Fontana, California on the morning of March 28, 2025. Violeta, who went by various names including mom, auntie, or Lola Oliks, lived a full and wonderful life. She was born in Victoria, Tarlac in the Philippines on September 10, 1932, the seventh of eleven children of Patricio Rigor and Remedios Sabio. She graduated from the North General Hospital School of Nursing, where she obtained her degree in nursing. While in the Philippines, she met and married the love of her life, Alberto “Bet” De La Merced, and they had eight children together.

In 1970, Violeta and Bet, recognizing the opportunities available to them and their children in America, immigrated to the United States. They initially settled in Queens, New York, but in 1972, after vacationing in California, decided to move out west. They ultimately landed in Los Angeles, California and in 1974, purchased a home fondly remembered as “Kenmore” in the East Hollywood neighborhood. While in Los Angeles, Violeta worked as a registered nurse at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center until she retired in 1992. After Bet retired, he and Violeta sought a quieter lifestyle, and in 2005, moved to Fontana, California, where they resided for the remainder of their lives.

Violeta was the much-loved matriarch of the De La Merced family. She had a shy demeanor but was not afraid to voice her opinion. She was thoughtful, considerate, and generous. If you visited her, her first words to you would be “have you eaten yet?” Over the years, whether at Kenmore or in Fontana, Violeta prepared nightly dinners for the whole family. A weekday meal became an “event,” with so many family attendees that rice sometimes had to be rationed through a teacup. Violeta was an excellent cook and she often showed her love for others through her food. Perhaps the most recognized symbol of this love was her heart-shaped flan, which appeared at every birthday and milestone celebration. Beyond cooking, Violeta also relished tending to her garden and shared this talent with her daughters. Throughout her life, Violeta enjoyed spending time with and traveling the world with Bet, winning at the casino, family vacations, and being present for any event involving her family, especially her children, grandchildren, or great grandchildren—whether it be the holidays, a wedding, a birthday, or a graduation. Violeta also took great comfort in prayer, and as a devout Catholic, was especially devoted to the Holy Rosary.

In May 2017, Bet passed away, and Violeta grieved his loss throughout the rest of her life. Although she missed him, she cherished each day and shared joy in the growth of her family, welcoming great grandchild after great grandchild.

In her last days, Violeta said that while we, as a family, may not have been wealthy, we had a lot of love. That love was a direct result of Violeta. She leaves us having been a shining example for living life with grace and humility, being devoted to God, to her husband, and to her family. No obituary or writing could adequately describe the love Violeta shared. And no words could sufficiently reflect how much she will be missed. Her life and her memory will always be a blessing.

Violeta is survived by her eight children and their respective spouses: Joy and Bambot, Jing and Marissa, Bong and Joyce, Marissa and Gani, Cecil and Frank, Al and Weng, Boyet, Grace and Noel; seventeen grandchildren and their respective spouses: Chelle and Ken, Jobie and Rea, Andrew and Steph, John and Nancy, Erica and Joe, Megan and Jason, Nico, Lissa and Jeff, Matt and Cindy, Mia and Athan, Tony, Lau, Abby, Bree, Chris, Rachel, and Maddy; and twelve great grandchildren: Emma, Caleb, Elliot, Jaylen, Miles, Olivia, Zachary, Cole, Jacob, Maia, Brayden, and Cameron—with four additional great grandchildren on the way. She is also survived by her sisters, Daisy and Net, and their respective families, as well as dozens of her cousins, nephews, nieces, and their respective families.