Mary M. Valmoja Leonardo

Mary Mapa Valmoja Leonardo died peacefully in her San Jose home on November 3, 2011, one day short of the age of 87. She was preceded in death by her first husband Bonifacio Valmoja, and her daughter Nancy Jean Von Gunden (George). She is survived by her beloved husband of 8 years Conrado Leonardo, son Richard Valmoja, dedicated granddaughter Ericka Grant (Sean), great-grand son Caleb, great-grand daughter Georgia Jean, cousin Mary Gomez, and many loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her four brothers Mike, John, Al and Frank and her step father Federico Bacosa and survived by her siblings Fred, Lily, Francesca, Paul, and Robert.

Mary was the daughter of Ruperto Mapa, an immigrant from the Philippine Islands, and Isabel M. Sanchez Mapa Bacosa, an immigrant from Spain. Her parents met in Hawaii and immigrated to California.

Mary was born in Monterey, California, on November 4, 1924. Her family moved to San Jose in the mid 30's, and she graduated from San Jose High School. After marrying Bonifacio Valmoja in 1943, they farmed in the San Jose area. Mary was a very intelligent lady; if she had the opportunity to go to college she could have become an engineer. After farming she then worked for Fairchild for a number of years and then worked/retired from Precision Monolithics. As a resident of San Jose for the majority of her life she was a prominent leader in the community. She was President and Grand Matron of the East West Gran Oriente Ladies Chapter, and on the Board of Fujii Towers Senior Community. She was also an active volunteer in the community, eager to lend a helping hand to those in need.

A viewing will be Saturday, November 12th between 3pm and 6pm, and Sunday, the 13th from 11:00 am to 12:00pm at Cedar Lawn Memorial Park, 48800 Warm Springs Blvd, Fremont, CA. A funeral service and burial will occur at the same location on Sunday, November 13th at 12:00 PM, with a reception to follow.