Luningning Tolentino Dalaten

Luningning Dalaten, also known as “Ning” or “Lu,” was born in her native country of the Philippines, in the Province of Batangas. She was preceded in death by her parents: Francisco Mendoza Tolentino and Jovita Pescasio Dinapo. Lu was the oldest of their four daughters, followed by Aida Luz (deceased), Mariquita Librea, (married to Lamberto Rico Librea), and Elizabeth Galo (deceased). From her father’s second marriage, Lu had three half-siblings: Raquel, Carlo, and Marco Tolentino. No matter the path that Lu’s life followed, she remembered her family in the Philippines. In the weeks before her passing, she took joy in packing up her cargo boxes of Christmas gifts for her relatives. She will be remembered as a kind, generous, and dear sister.

Lu came from humble beginnings but had big dreams. She told us that her parents, who grew a farm into a successful plantation, sent their daughter to the University of Santo Tomas with her hair in braids, and then she completed her degree and earned her Certified Public Accountant license. After building a successful career as an auditor at the Central Bank of the Philippines, she headed to the United States in pursuit of the American dream. She lived with her mother’s American family in San Diego, CA, her Uncle Gene and Auntie Connie Lagrimas (deceased), and her cousins, Noly, Norma, Luci and Genie (deceased). The Lagrimas family enjoyed spending time and travels with “Ate Ning,” their term of endearment for her.

In her adopted city, Lu raised her three children: Theresa T. Talplacido, Esq. (married to LeAnne Fossmeyer), Carmen Wilson (married to Gerald Wilson), and David Dalaten (survived by Geraldine Dalaten). She started her career over, working as a bookkeeper, accountant and controller at CDC Small Business Finance, a job and workplace she thoroughly enjoyed. She considered her co-workers to be an extension of her family and kept in regular contact with them. Lu instilled in her children the importance of a college education, the gratification of pursuing the right career, and the joy of finding family in friendship.

While she loved her children, she deeply cherished her four grandchildren: Halle and Henry Wilson and Xavier and Harmony Dalaten. Lu was a nurturing presence to her family, showering them with affection and exemplifying family values and personal character. She was a doting grandmother who never missed birthdays, recitals, or school events. Lu was also beloved by her in-laws and extended family, the Fossmeyers, Dixons, Liganors, Ellises, and Alonsagays. Each family gathering was captured by a group photo which we all will continue in her honor.

Retirement brought a second life to Lu. She traveled the world with her family and friends, from Bangkok to Mazatlán. She even went on a cruise! She enjoyed her gorgeous garden, where she tended a variety of trees and plants to harvest exotic fruits and colorful flowers. She loved to cook and bake, and made the best roast beef, which her family cannot duplicate. Lu also mastered Facebook and posted almost daily as she shared greetings, affirmations, photos, and other aspects of her life. By far, our favorite posts are photos she took of our family gatherings, home cooked food and most importantly, selfies with her grandchildren.

Lu was a parishioner of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Rancho Penasquitos. As a Catholic, she prayed for all and wished for peace on earth. She left us too soon but we know she is at rest and free. She did not share information on her illness because she did not want those she loved to worry or be sad for her. She would want you to know that she had many challenges in life and met them all with grace and dignity. Lu felt very blessed and lived her life in peace and tranquility and would wish this for you. Our Mother will be forever missed by her many friends and loving family who will remember her generosity, humanity and kindness.

Theresa, Carmen and David