Mrs. Hortensia Eleanor Tejada Galvan died peacefully on September 29, 2023 in Tracy, California at the age of 89. She was surrounded by her loved ones at Kaiser Permanente Hospital in Modesto, California the day before she was transferred to hospice care where she soon passed.
Born on August 3, 1934 in San Francisco, California, she was the daughter of Leonard Ramos Tejada and Alvina Mauricio Tejada (both deceased), and oldest of ten siblings: Clifford Richard, Donald Francis (deceased), Paulino, Constantino (deceased), Marie Leonor, Carmen Christina (deceased), Gilbertine Ruth, Florence Blanca, and Amador. She was also preceded in death by her husband Victoriano Gayo Galvan and her two eldest children.
Hortensia grew up in the states until one family trip to the Philippines changed her life forever, the start of World War II. Trapped in a foreign country with her father off to serve in the US Army as a medic, she and her family had no choice but to stay in the Philippines. At the time, being top of her class and a young scholar, Hortensia studied and translated foreign languages for active soldiers until the war finally ended.
Having now spent a number of years in the Philippines, she and her family grew quite comfortable with their living style. When her father returned from his service to take them home back to the states, they decided to stay instead. It was not until many years had passed that she would later return back to her native country, and this time with a family of her own including many young ones.
It was 1952 when she met Victoriano Galvan who was stationed in Isabela, Philippines to whom she instantly fell in love with. They got married that same year and were later blessed with six children: Merlinda Violeta (deceased, was married to Carlos dela Cruz), Harry James (deceased, was married to Edna Empeño), Van (married to Andrea Aguila), Nerissa (married to Jay-are Vicente, deceased), Emmarie (partner Steve), and Victhor (single).
Hortensia is also survived by her 15 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces, and nephews.
Prior to migrating to US with her family after her husband's retirement from the military in 1980, she spent most of her time in the Philippines as a homemaker and seamstress. In America she worked at the Motorola Phone Company and in hospitality for a number of years until her retirement. From 2000-2010, she was an active member and the president of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 858 in San Jose, California. One of the many activities she held dear throughout her life included crocheting, sewing, playing the organ at church, and serving her community. She lived surrounded and watching over her loved ones until her final resting days.
Today, we remember Hortensia for her strong patriotism to her birthplace and adopted home, humility over her numerous achievements, gracefulness, gentleness, giving nature, and compassion towards family and friends alike. Her devotion to God and love from others was sign that even in her roughest moments, she was never truly alone.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.LimaFamilyEricksonMemorial.com for the Galvan family.
