Rosita Sitang Citz Darang Villena

It is with deep love and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Rosita Darang Villena, age 76, of San Diego, California. Rosita entered into eternal rest on October 29, 2025, surrounded by the family she cherished so dearly.

Rosita was born on July 23, 1949, in Baguio City, Philippines, the 5th of 9 children to Luis Montero Darang and Rosa David. Growing up, she spent her childhood helping in her family’s store, “Aling Rosa’s” and created treasured memories making fresh lumpia with her family in the basement of their home—moments she fondly recalled throughout her life.

A proud graduate of the Baguio General Hospital School of Nursing, Class of 1971, Rosita pursued her passion for caregiving by obtaining a working visa and beginning her nursing career in New York. It was during this time that a weekend visit to friends in Great Lakes, Illinois changed her life forever. There, she met the love of her life, Danilo Villena, a young Navy sailor. They married soon after, and their love story blossomed into a beautiful family.

In 1975, Rosita and Danilo welcomed their first child, Danilo “Jo-jo” Villena, Jr., before relocating to San Diego, California due to naval orders. In San Diego, their family grew with the births of Dennis (in 1976) and Donella (in 1978), and the Villenas made their home there ever since.

Rosita was a registered nurse for 45 years. Most of that time was spent as an Intensive Care Unit Nurse at Pomerado Hospital in Poway. She also had terms of employment at Scripps Hospital, UCSD,

Rosita, and her husband, were active in the community. In the 1980s and 1990s, they both were active members of the Cursillo and Lipa City Association of San Diego. She truly enjoyed her service to these organizations and made many friends which ultimately became family over the years.

Rosita was known for her lively personality, quick humor, and adventurous spirit. She was always “game” for anything—whether a spontaneous outing, trying something new, or simply bringing joy and laughter to those around her. She loved gardening, cooking, and most of all, spending time with her family. Nothing brought her more happiness than being “Lola” to her six beloved grandchildren.

Family was the center of Rosita’s life. She was generous to a fault, especially in supporting her loved ones in the Philippines. Through her hard work and commitment, she was able to petition her father, “Tatay,” to immigrate to the United States, ultimately helping bring the rest of the family over as well—an act of love that changed the course of generations.

Rosita was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Danilo Villena, her parents – Luis Montero Darang and Rosa David, and siblings – Ernesto and Philip. She is survived by her three children—Danilo Jr., Dennis, and Donella—her six grandchildren – Matthew, Andrew, Cameron, Ethan, Devyn and Danica, her siblings (Anita Darang, Luis Darang Jr., Ella Fernandez, Sixto Darang, Angelina Laoang and Paul Darang), and a large extended family who will forever honor her legacy of love, kindness, and selflessness.

Rosita will be remembered for her warm heart, her laughter, her strength, and the immeasurable love she shared with all who knew her.

Services will be held on Wednesday, November 12th (Viewing) at El Camino Memorial Park and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church (Funeral), where family and friends are invited to celebrate her beautiful life.