Conchita Natividad Lumbres

Conchita “Connie” Natividad Lumbres was born on February 5, 1937, in the Philippines. She was the eldest and only daughter of Apolinario L. Natividad and Flaviana F. Natividad of Bunggo, Calamba, Laguna City, Philippines. She had five other brothers, and is survived today by only two brothers, Tony Natividad and Cornelio (Cone) Natividad. She passed away peacefully in Escondido, CA on August 19, 2024.

Connie loved to share stories of her childhood growing up in the Philippines whenever something came up and reminded her of a fond memory. Connie was a loving wife to Eliseo L. Lumbres for 61 years, prior to his death on November 12, 2020. She is also survived by her only daughter, Eileen Lumbres Valero (residing in San Diego, CA), along with her three Grandchildren, Melanie Malulani Valero, Nikolas Keali’i Valero and Kayla Ka’iulani Valero. Connie was as loving, patient, smart, devoted Catholic and lived in Murrieta until her husband died, and she was focused on being the best Mother and Grandmother she knew how. She was that person in the family that always made sure that you had eaten, or had enough to eat, had something to drink and/or got rest before whatever event was happening. Her soothing voice, her gentle hugs and smiles always lit the room. Even when she was sad or had things on her mind, she never stopped smiling. She smiled until she left us to be with God. Now she is reunited with her parents, grandparents, spouse and son-in-law Eric Valero.

During her journey in the Philippines, she like most, helped her parent’s raise her brothers, and focused on her education. She graduated college and later became an Elementary School Teacher, and eventually married her husband, a former Navy Sailor. She lived at home, until she later moved to Olongapo City, then later Parañaque City, near Manila and but frequently went back to her home province on weekends. She endured some creative experiences. As she migrated to the U.S., she ended up in San Francisco, CA. This is where she got very close to family with the Bay Area relatives Dr. Max & Mrs. Dorie Sarmiento. She learned how to drive, and got her first moving violation for driving too slow. She also gained herself confidence of being the outsider coming from the Philippines and having to learn and adapt to the U.S. culture, the food, how to speak and how to dress. She had the perseverance to provide for her family and to give back to her family in the Philippines when she could. Connie was selfless and went back to school to learn new technical and vocational skills, that would eventually lead her to become a Chart Nurse at Villa View Community Hospital (an Open & Locked Unit for almost 27 years before retiring) off of University Avenue.

Connie built and shared her legacy in showing her daughter the appreciation for the Filipino Culture and traveled back to the Philippines every year for 28 years. She wanted to share memories, experiences and adventures she had with Eileen, so she never lost her roots or the culture she was raised in. She spoke in Tagalog every opportunity she had to ensure that Eileen and maybe her Grandchildren would understand. Unfortunately, only her eldest Granddaughter got to experience the Philippines at a very young age.

After Connie and her husband retired, they had built a retirement home in Sulpoc, Tanauan City, Batangas, where they enjoyed a small one story flat surrounded by palm trees and coconut, like their own little private island. They enjoyed annual and sometimes semi-annual trips to the Philippines, where they truly enjoyed the fruits of their labor, while they were able to take cruises, travel to different cities to see family and when they could, enjoy the lights and sounds of the slot machines.

As Connie got older, she moved to San Diego to live with her daughter, was later diagnosed with Dementia in October 2022and quickly had to adjust to the new now. Her Faith in God was strong. She prayed the Rosary daily and thanked God for her many Blessings. In the last few months, she made it known how much she missed the Philippines and the fond memories she created. No one would have imagined she was diagnosed with a horrible disease, but she managed to maintain a positive demeanor and presence every chance she got. Her smile was infectious, and her voice was aways calming. She may not always hear you after she lost her hearing aids, but her smile was genuine. The Hospice Nurse and staff that stayed with her until her last breath all reiterated she was their favorite patient. She was aways smiling, would share old stories, but always had a smile on her face. As we continue to Pray Connie and for a few of our beloved who have gone before us, we will continue to live her legacy with positive intentions, a forgiving heart and a smile in everything we do.

Rest in Peace!! Mahal na mahal kita!!

A visitation for Conchita will be held Thursday, August 22, 2024 at 11:00 AM at El Camino Memorial Chapel, 5600 Carroll Canyon Road, San Diego, CA 92101. A visitation will occur Sunday, September 22, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at El Camino Memorial - Sorrento Valley, 5600 Carroll Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA 92121. A funeral mass will occur Monday, September 23, 2024 at 10:30 AM at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, 13541 Stoney Creek Road, San Diego, CA 92129. A funeral service will occur Monday, September 23, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at External Service Location, 13541 Stoney Creek Rd, San Diego, CA 92129. A committal service will occur Monday, September 23, 2024 at 1:15 PM at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego, CA 92122. A graveside service will occur Monday, September 23, 2024 from 1:15 PM to 2:00 PM at External Service Location, 5795 Nobel Dr, San Diego, CA 92122.