Born in Nueva Ecijia, Philippines, Lourdes was the daughter of the late Librada Guzman. She was raised in Guimba, Nueva Ecijia. She graduated from the University of Santo Thomas with a Bachelor of Science degree in commerce.
Lourdes, her husband, and six children immigrated to the United States and settled in the town of Delano, California in 1985. For over 20 years, Lourdes worked for Kern County in the offices of social services. She believed in the human spirit and her passion for people reflected in both her profession and her personal life.
Lourdes loved Delano, her neighbors and her community. She was a woman of faith and a devout Catholic who attended the church of Guadalupe and St. Mary’s.
Lourdes surrounded her world with love. She loved gardening, shopping, and traveling. For Lourdes, life was an adventure. She found beauty in everyday experiences with nature and with people. She believed in human connection. She was a real humanitarian who always extended her hand and her home to anybody in need of advice, shelter, and love.
She was an avid reader and loved literature. Her bedtime routine would consist of reading the Bible, and biographies on Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Martin Luther King Jr and John F. Kennedy. There were always two things on Lourdes’ night table: a great book and her trusted rosary.
Lourdes also had a passion for writing. She wrote in her journal, or penned letters and postcards to family members, friends, and grandchildren. She made it a priority to greet loved ones for every birthday, anniversary and holiday.
Lourdes was everyone’s mom, big sister, aunt, mentor, and best friend. She will be deeply missed and remembered by every person she touched with her kindness, warmth, integrity and grace.
Lourdes is survived by her husband Florencio Costales Sr. and her sister Doris Aguilar. Lourdes’ spirit will live on through her children, Luz Rodrigo, Patrick Costales, Stephanie Navalta, Florencio Costales Jr, and Carlo Costales. Her inspiration will continue through her beautiful grandchildren LaTasha, Paul and Maria Taylor; Joan and Albert Rodrigo; Miles Costales; Kelsi and Kameron Navalta; Marisa and Reece Costales; and Clare Konopasek. She will be remembered by her sons and daughter in laws, Joseph Rodrigo, Llewelyn Costales, Dennis Navalta, and Alma Costales.
Lourdes will also be remembered by many relatives and friends all across America and in her native homeland of the Philippines. She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Librada Lopez and Isaac Asuncion; her daughter Maria Lourdes Taylor; and her siblings Orlando, Oscar, and Eva Asuncion.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.delanomortuary.com for the Guzman Costales family.
