Purita Montante Dalanon

She was born on February 2, 1938, in Bangued, Abra, Philippines on the same day as her mother’s birthday. Her father, Jesus Flores Montante, was the Chief of Police in Bangued at the time. Raised alongside her siblings (Juanita, Jesus, Emerita, Adelheida, Hilario, and Floro), Purita grew up in a close-knit and extended family where duty, resilience, and perseverance were the core values.

Following the loss of her father during World War II, Purita was raised by her uncle, Jose "Tata Pepe" Montante, who at the time was the Superintendent of Iwahig Penal Colony in Palawan. His home became her second family who instilled in her a lifelong sense of integrity, compassion, and discipline. She completed her primary and secondary education in Palawan and graduated from Palawan High School in 1955.

Purita earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from the Philippine Normal College and dedicated 24 years of her career as a teacher at Tomas Morato Elementary School in Quezon City. She taught 4th grade, coached athletics, and helped coordinate school cultural programs. Her devotion to education touched generations of students and built lifelong friendships among her colleagues.

In 1962, she married Cesar Dalanon, a decorated police detective and national figure whose career inspired the 1970s film Sgt. Dalanon about his accomplishments as a police detective. In the film, Purita and Cesar were portrayed by actress Daria Ramirez and actor Tony Ferrer, respectively.

In 1983, to seek new opportunities, Purita immigrated to the United States, settling in San Diego, California. Though she transitioned away from teaching, she embraced a second career in nursing and caregiving, fulfilling a lifelong dream. After graduating from medical and nurse assistant training in 1986, she spent 20 years caring for the elderly at Casa de Mañana and White Sands retirement homes in La Jolla. Her compassion and dedication made her a trusted and beloved caregiver to many.

She was a longtime resident in the Clairemont area of San Diego, an active parishioner at St. Catherine Laboure Catholic Church, and a woman of deep personal faith. Her joys included crocheting, cooking, singing, watching television, traveling, playing word search puzzles, and playing at casinos.

Purita was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her four children: Darlene, Pierre, Cecille, and Cesar Jr.; her grandchildren: Xennon (Xid), Jasmine, and Jonathan; her great-grandchildren: Jeriah and Elias; and in-laws: Steve, Josie, Ken, Cindy, and Elaine. She took immense pride in the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren, whose achievements in education, science, and medicine were a testament to the foundation she laid through love, perseverance, and discipline.

Her legacy is one of unwavering commitment to family, faith, service, and education. Through decades of caregiving, mentorship, generosity and enduring love, Purita lived a full and meaningful life, leaving behind a lineage marked by humility, strength, and purpose.

A visitation for Purita will be held at El Camino Memorial Chapel at 5600 Carroll Canyon Road, San Diego, CA 92121 on Monday, August 4th at 4pm - 8pm. Funeral Liturgy will be held at El Camino Memorial Chapel on Tuesday, August 5th at 2pm. The Liturgy will immediately be followed by Processional and Committal ceremonies at 3pm.

She will be profoundly missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.