On the dawn of my 61st birthday, I thank you, Mom for the gifts of life, love and grace.

Love you sweet grandma. Thank you for all your love and care. I carry you with me always. Xo Coco

Grandma, 

Thank you for everything that you have done for this family. While I might not remember much of you taking care of me when I was a child, I’ll never forget the countless nights you stayed up late just to make us ensemadas… The smile on your face when our families played money games during Christmas/Thanksgiving… The millions of times I’d walk into your house and you’d tell me how Pogi I was… Telling you stories about Bryce & I "galivanting" as you would say... Tricking me into eating Balut... And even teaching me how to play games with you such as Sungka. You were always the most selfless, supportive, and loving soul in the room and that was unequivocally clear. You inspired confidence within myself, and always made me along with everyone around us feel welcomed and loved. Words can’t express how much I miss you, how much I love you, and how much I think about you every day, but one can only hope that I will make you proud. Please continue to watch over our family from above, as you did while you were here with us. And best of luck to you on the slots in heaven, although I'm sure you're already giving God a run for his money. I love you most Grandma.

2/26/22
40 Days🤍🕊
It has been 40 days without you on this worldly plane. 40 days without hearing your voice. 40 of the most surreal and hardest days of my life. Grandma, you were my peace, my heart, and the cause of our joy. I find comfort knowing that you lived a life full of love, and that you are now resting with our Heavenly Father. Thank you for being such an amazing woman, thank you for our family, thank you for loving us unconditionally, and thank you for all the memories, lessons, and laughter we shared. Please continue to guide me and give me strength, because Lord knows I need it right now….

Agyamank unay. Ay-ayaten ka unay. 
Mailiwak unay kenka…🤍

And if I could ever ask for one more blessing in this life of mine, I would pray for a thousand years to see you one more time.
--Zeenat Qureshi

One of my favorite photos. Mom and Dad on their 63rd wedding anniversary, March 14, 2018.

To my fav couple - my Mother and Father, two 💞 together forever

English translation of the Tagalog song "Hindi Kita Malimot":  I can't forget you, those memories of us.  I will not forget you, I do love you so.  I swear that I have chosen only you.  For only you, the only one I love.  I just can't forget you, don't mistake that.  I will not forget you, believe me my darling.  And if you ever forget me, remember I love you.  If you are only a dream, you are always seen by me.  Even if you're lost to me, you are my darling.  I very often pray to God.  So do not forget, you are so very precious to me.

My Dearest Mother,
Thank you for being my Mom. You were the best.  You were so loving and caring.  Thank you for all that you were and all that you did in this world, especially for me.
As you rest in the peace of heaven, you will always be in my heart.  I love you and I I miss you so much!!!

I'm everything I am Mom, because you loved me.

AN ODE TO THE ONE I LOVE:  LOURDES CATABAY VELORIA

     “Only you can make this world seem bright.  Only you and you alone can thrill me like you do, and fill my heart with love for only you.”  You always said that when God says it’s time to go, no one can stop it, for it is your destiny.  But when I held your hand in the hospital, I did not think that it could possibly be the last time in this physical world…

Remember the days when I used to serenade you in the stillness of the nights singing, “Hindi kita malimot, ala-ala kita.  Hindi kita malimot minamahal kita.  At kung ikaw man ang lumimot, iyong alalahanin, mahal pa rin kita.”  My life with you was the most interesting, exciting, and unforgettable saga of my life.  I could hardly believe that within a tick of time, you left me behind.  My only consolation now is that I too will follow that path.  For when my time comes, I will be seeking you.  

Love, Darling Mel

Thank you Mom for all the wonderful memories that will live on forever!

To my beloved sister, Manang Lour. I know you are now in our Lord's Kingdom. Even if you are not by our side, you are forever in our hearts. We love you so much with every tick of the clock. I remember visiting you in America. You told Manong Ising and Nap to sleep in other rooms so that we can sleep together in your room to continue our stories with laughter. You are God's angel to me. You shared everything you can. You gave me nice dresses, shoes and signature bags which I treasure so much. Until now, I still wear them because I can feel my loving Manang Lour keeping me warm and comfortable with her unending love. Thank You Lord for giving me a sister like you, Manang Lour. You are incomparable. I love you so much with an endless love.

Thank you Lola Lourdes for your legacy of love to your family and to those around you. You are now at rest with our Heavenly Father, where there is no more weeping or pain. Your impact is deeply felt, widely cherished and will be long remembered. 

One of my best childhood memories was because of Auntie Lour, 30 years ago she gave me a Gameboy and matchboxes that made me popular and envied by my friends and schoolmates. Her love for my papa and our family is a blessing, we are also grateful to her for taking good care of my Ate Mambie. We love you Auntie Lour!  Rest in heaven’s paradise auntie 

I cannot find a word to alleviate your grief.  Manang Lour was a beautiful woman, I am lucky to be her cousin.  We had great memories that can never be forgotten.  Rest in Peace, Manang Lour.  You will always be in my memory.  

I will always remember Auntie Lour for her generosity and infectious laugh.  I still remember that one of my favorite school binders was given by her which had the “Little Twin Stars” design.  I may not have been able to spend a lot of time with her, but I have always felt her love for us, specially to our Papa.  I love you Auntie/Ninang Lour.  May you rest in peace with our Creator. 

Goodbye Auntie Lour I had always regarded you as my second mom for you haved looked after me and my family when we were still living in the Philippines and you continue to do the same when Sean and James moved to California. You were a blessing to all the people whose lives you touched most especially your family. Thank you for everything Auntie Lour you will forever be in our hearts.  
Love,
Lovel

Good bye Auntie Lour...We weren't able to attend your funeral today due to unavoidable circumstances.. but please know that  you're in our thoughts & hearts today & always. We love you.🌷👐💕💕
Psalm 23:6, Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. 👐

I love you Auntie Lour. 
You will be forever in our hearts .

Love, Mambie

Thank you Auntie Lour for the love and happy memories…. from Parkway to San Diego you’re always taking care of us. Every time we (with Sean and Jame) go to your house, for sure we’re not going home empty handed. You’re giving us food, fruits, canned goods and even drinks to bring home….So glad we had the chance to see you last August….
We’ll be missing you ❤️

mom was a direct ,no nonsence person,she would say what she
thought she pulled no punches. she was an original .
but she also had a special part of her that  she could be understanding .she knew how to help .when a person needed help.
her words rang  with truth. that is why when she had something to say one would listen.but the awsome  thing about her is that she was very caring and would listen to your problem .without forming an opion  she was a good ear  to share your thoughts with. without
giving you an answer.she would let you decide. but she would listen.
without forcing  her view. or she would say what you decide is the right way to go.
 words not often heard from people these days 
she would let you figure it out as only you could..
 but she would lead you to the answer .and that you wont find very often .in stied of giving you an answer.
she had a way of letting you come a conclusion.
i truly was lucky to have her in my life and my corner.
it was a privilege to have her in my life.
 she was tuff but she was-loving and caring. truly  a ray of sunshine. she will be missed.

I'll always remember Auntie Lor at Parkway and Bayan in Bani when I was a little kid.  She and her Sisters families took turns in welcoming  and loving my Brother and I when our parents were going through a separation when we were just little kids.  I remember being very scared and ate everything on my plate at Parkway and realized Auntie Lor was strict to instill life's fundamentals but was also even more so full of love and humor.  She never stopped giving us loving and joyful advice.  I loved her cooking, her humor, and her love for family and tradition.  At heart, she was a very spiritual and religious just like her Parents, my Grand Parents (Papang and Mamang).    I never stopped thinking and loving her and all my relatives from my Dad's side (and not just my Mom's side) of the family.  As I told my cousin April, they were part of the most joyful times of my early childhood.   I won't say goodbye but instead I will say see you later Auntie...when we are all reunited again with all our loved ones in the everlasting presence of our Creator with life, love, joy, peace forever more. Amen    ...I love you Auntie...

Thanking God for the wonderful time and happy memories with auntie Lour. Flying from Sydney to the US several times is a long haul but never miss to stop in San Diego to see her. She will always have her wide open arms to welcome you full of love and excitement. I will miss you auntie.
I remember her urgent request every visit I have if by chance to bring along my mommy Delia….thank God I did! June 2011 came when the surprise visit happened. We never knew this will be the longing sisters’ last embrace. 

Dear Auntie Lour,

I will always remember the day I’ve come to know you... You have influenced me a great deal as a daughter, as a sister, as a wife and mother (not yet with your other title as a grandmother)... Thank you Auntie for sharing your blessed life to many people, I am one of the blessed ones who came to know a beautiful soul in you. Thank you Auntie for raising your beautiful daughters that I also love.

One fond memory of you was your visit in Sydney in 1999, we were very new in Australia and I told you I am not a good cook and I struggle preparing meals for my young children back then. You shared this simple dish that you personally wrote and I truly appreciate all the encouragements you gave me, made me feel that cooking is not hard at all! 

In my previous trips to the US, it was always good to stop by San Diego to meet, greet, and deliver Mommy Del’s hugs & kisses to her Manang... 

I will miss you Auntie... It is a comfort to know that you are now in the best place in heaven with our Loving Heavenly Father. 

I love you Auntie Lour,
Ruth

Thank you Auntie Lour for loving my Mom – it is because of this love that you loved us too. 
Thank you for all the goodies in the balikbayan boxes when we were young … all the love and laughter, the beautiful food and px goods you shared with us in Parkway … and for taking care of me when I came to visit in Paseo Cardiel.
I will always remember how you enjoyed life, your contagious girlish laughter and the twinkle in your eyes when you are amused. 
We thank God for you Auntie and we will deeply miss you.
To our dear Uncle Mel, Gladys, April, Lito and grands – our deepest sympathies for your great loss. May you be comforted in the hope we will all be reconciled with our loved ones someday with our Creator and Saviour.

Joy to witness such a bond. They are happy together. 

Uncle Ising, Auntie Lour, Gladys, April and Lito:
Thank you for sharing your life with us. Love, peace and double blessings to you all and to your families. 
Thank you for the good memories at Parkway Village. A duplex house where we became one happy family.
Thank you for sharing those American goodies from Clark. Oh how I found them interesting and enjoyed every bite.
Thank you for tagging me along to Bani during school breaks.
Thank you for all the activities we have done together.
And to my dear Auntie Lour: 
Thank you for all the tricks I have learned from your bountiful kitchen.
Thank you for treating me as one of your daughters. 
Thank you for all your love, care, empathy, kindness & generosity.
Thank you for the good example of a  strong sibling bond.
Thank you for all our chats and stories about life during your visits in the Philippines.
Thank you for looking after us when we come for a visit.
These and more will remain in my memory bank. 
I love you Auntie Lour❤

To my grandmother who was one of my best friends and biggest supporters. Thank you for some of the best food I've ever tasted, some of the best lessons I've ever learned, some of best smiles I've ever seen, and most of all, all the time you spent with me. You will forever be one of my biggest influences and I can't wait until I see you again. Please watch over and help guide me in the meantime. Love you forever.

Manang Lourdes,
Thank you so much for your love.  I remember when my mother died and how you took care of us as if we were your own kids.  I was just fifteen, Gerry was 13, Matthew (aka Allen) was 10 and Karen was only five years old.

You and Manong raised my sister like your own daughter,  watched over all of us, saw us through our bad times with Matthew and , my father's passing,  watched over us as  we  got married (for me 2x (lol), and as well as watch Gerry, Debbie and Karen raise their children.

You have been so much a part of our lives.  Thank you for being there for us.  We will miss you. May you now rest in peace. 

 We love you.
Velma, Gerry, Debbie, and Karen.


Auntie Lour, thank you for your love and kindness to Mommy Doding, and to us.
I remember the times you came to San Francisco and brought Mommy supply of homemade meat balls and ensymada which she enjoyed so much. She can't see you then, but she felt your love.  You will always be in my heart, Auntie....lovingly. 
GOD bless your soul!🙏



Our deepest sympathy to Uncle Mel, Mng Gladys, Mng April, Lito & the whole family...May the Lord comfort you in this difficult time.👐💕

Thank you for all the love & kindness you've shown us Auntie Lourdes. You & Uncle were always very nice & hospitable whenever we visited you in the past. We will miss you dearly. You will always be in our hearts and thoughts. May you rest in peace forever in the presence of our Lord God & Savior Jesus Christ. 👐💕

February, 2022

My deepest sympathy: to uncle Mel, to my cousins Gladys, April, Lito and their families during these times of need.
I was just talking to auntie during Christmas time,  December 25, 2021 and I didn’t know that will be the last time to hear from her.   She even said to me.. don’t forget me. Reassuringly, I said no auntie. You’re are always with me in my prayers! She answered: Nagsayaaten! How nice that is. 
I love you auntie Lourdes. You’re  like a second mom to me. I felt your love growing up in the Philippines and even here in States. 
Thank you auntie, not only with your love but also your generosity. 
 I remember you making balon for me too, not only for my cousins going to school in College. I also remember you coming with my mom Doding to my Capping (Nurses)Ceremony in Philippine International Convention Center, in 1979. 
Aunt Lourdes is also one of the kindest person I had in my entire life. 
You will always be loved and remembered and your memories will remain in my heart auntie. 
We all mourn as our loved ones pass away, but there’s always Someone that can lift the sorrows and grief in our heart… and that’s no other than Jesus, our Creator who knows more than ourselves. We can fully trust in Him. 
I know you're  just sleeping as you have slipped through eternity auntie,  for I know you loved and have believed in Jesus our Lord, Maker, and Savior. Till then. ❤️❤️❤️

Loving you, your niece 
Cynthia “Kents” Catabay Avelino 

Thank you Auntie for introducing me to baking which my family are now enjoying. I love you Auntie Lour 🌹❤️

Her first and last trip to Sydney October 2000

My manang Lourdes. She is one of my favorite manangs. She is kind, generous, and a fine cook.
Early in my teen years, we were invited for afternoon merienda (snack). She was cooking up a storm.
I was looking at the pot of pancit lug-lug and it was a big pot. Whoo, that's a lot of pancit to eat with plenty of shrimp, vegetables and noodles.
I was wondering who was going to eat all of that pancit. While she was cooking, I noticed a young boy looking thru the kitchen back door.
My thoughts were; what a "noisy kid".

Manang finished cooking and put the pancit in a big bowl. To my surprise she called the young boy over. He opened the back door and manang gave the bowl 
of pancit to him. I looked at my manang and she said "the boy really loves my cooking and wants to have his family taste it."  This is an example of how generous she was and how good her cooking was.


I used to travel a bit. When I was in the San Diego area I would always visit. When the front door opens and you would hear the most familiar sound " Jing come and eat."
My manang would call me Jing, short for Gerry. The food was always great; pinakbet, diningding, balatong and the inapoy was the best..not too dry or mushy.
I enjoyed my stay and always looked forward to the next visit.

When my wife and I would visit, Manang would always send us home with a bag of tiny pecan pie cups. They were our favorite snack for the long drive home.

Gerry Veloria

One of my favorite photos of Mom celebrating a birthday.  She loved family celebrations!

One of my favorite photos of Mom celebrating her birthday.  She loved family celebrations!

Our prayers and deepest condolences to Uncle Ising, Glad, April and Lito, and the whole family. We grieve with you in the passing of Auntie Lour.
May she rest in eternal peace with our LORD JESUS. 

John 11:25-26
    "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.
And everyone who lives and believes in me shall
never die."



Mom, Aly and me (April) enjoying ourselves at cousin Danette’s wedding in Australia!

OBITUARY

Lourdes "Lour" Catabay Veloria

3 May, 1932 – 16 January, 2022

El Camino Memorial - Sorrento Valley & Memorial Park

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services