Victoria Lallave De Castro

By: Maria Cristina Beverly Goodlett

Victoria Lallave DeCastro has graciously shared her existence to many of us. Though her passing leaves a great chasm in our lives, it helps us remember the life she lived and the lesson wrought from her life’s journey. Victoria was born on February 26, 1921 by Joaquin Lallave and Amalia Duldulaw in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. Victoria—my lola—was second among four children. She was preceded by Amalia (lola Amaling), followed by Rosita (lola Rosie) and Joaquin II (lolo Quining). Her father, a wealthy Spanish immigrant, was highly involved in agrarian affairs, had owned various properties in the region; and her mother was a conscientious homemaker. Her family immigrated to Bangui, where she spent most of her childhood. Victoria attended Philippine Women’s College, where she studied Nutritional Sciences. It was during this period in her life whence she had met the love of her life—my lolo Munding.

The loving relationship wrought from the union of my grandparents was one that transcended time and space. Victoria met Osmundo DeCastro through mutual friends. Though the competition was fierce, as Victoria had many avid suitors, Osmundo, through his tenacity and strategic charm, won the heart of not only Victoria, but also her family. My grandfather’s clever and suave courting moves ‘sealed the deal.’ They celebrated their love through marriage on August 5th 1945 in Santa Cruz, Manila. Their union blest them with five children: Maria Antonia, Maria Elizabeth, Maria Victoria, and Osmundo III. So great was their love that since their marriage they have been inseparable, until Osmundo was called back to God’s graces. Even then, Victoria’s love for Osmundo never wavered and she willed her heart, if at least most of it, departed with him.

Her commitment and love of God and her family distinctly permeated through her family life. Victoria dedicated her life to raising her family in traditional Catholic values. Like her mother, Victoria was conscientious and vigilant as a parent and grandparent. Virtues of charity, penance, forgiveness, and respect of family and God are central themes in Victoria’s home and general lifestyle. These virtues, among many benevolent others, consequently became the pillars and foundation of transgenerational family values.

The heart of Victoria’s legacy is centered on the life she lived, and the manner in which she lived it. Her benevolence, steadfastness, and genuine charity enabled her to extend the many blessings she has received. In so doing, she has perpetuated and multiplied the love she has, in as much as love can be expressed. Perhaps most profound of these expressions is seen in how she loved her family—husband, children and grandchildren—and to those whom she has extended her family network.

Arrangements under the direction of Montecito Memorial Park & Mortuary, Colton, California.