HAYWARD - Columbina Camacho Nelson-Brown, a native of Guam and longtime resident of California, died peacefully on November 26, 2023, surrounded by her family. She was born in Hagatna, Guam to Catalina Eclavea Camacho and Jose Muna Camacho.
“Bung”, as her friends & family called her was from a large family. She had thirteen siblings, Pedro, Raymundo, Vincente, Hena, Roman, Isadora, Nuncia, Crispina, Hidelisa, Carlos, Galo, Alfred, and Eddie. She was the last of her siblings to enter heaven and our ties to an amazing generation.
Columbina survived WWII as a teenager. After marrying her first husband George Nelson, Sr., they moved to California in 1951 where George was transferred as part of his duties in the U.S. Marine Corps. The family moved back to Guam in 1953 while George served in the Korean War. When George returned from war in 1955, they were transferred back to California where they eventually made their permanent home. Blessed to have had a large family, she carried the Chamorro tradition forward extending her kindness to those around her until her passing. Known as a great cook and baker, her door was always open to friends and family. She was an active volunteer of the East Bay Guam Club for years and participated in many fiestas and liberation activities. She was always extending warmth and hospitality to those in need or those families moving to the U.S. from the island of Guam.
Columbina was predeceased by her first husband George E. Nelson, Sr., her second husband Donald Brown, and her son George Nelson, Jr.
Columbina is survived by her children, Bernadette Parnell, Lorna Nelson-Clough, Rodney & wife Linda Nelson, Barbara Jaye and David Nelson. She was blessed with 11 grandchildren (Christina, Erin, Ryan, Tommy, Jared, Tyler, Dallas, Spenser, Noah, Nicole and Kyle). She is also survived by 9 great-grandchildren.
A viewing will be held on December 7th at the San Leandro Funeral Home, 407 Estudillo Ave., San Leandro, from 4-8 pm with a rosary at 5:15 pm. A mass will be held on December 8th at St. Clement Catholic Church, 750 Calhoun St., Hayward, at 11:00 am. Burial will immediately follow the mass at Holy Sepulchre Cemetary, 26320 Mission Blvd., Hayward. A reception will be held back at St. Clement Church Hall following the burial.
In lieu of flowers, the family of Columbina asks for donations to be made to either of these nonprofits:
1 in 26 Athlete Foundation (for Athletes with Epilepsy)
DCARA (Deaf Counseling Advocacy & Referral Agency)
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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