Bernalda Purganan Penor

Our Matriarch, Bernalda Purganan Penor, passed away on January 10th, 2022 in Algona, Washington at her residence surrounded by family. She was 97 years old. She is preceded in death by her husband Maximo, daughters: Consolacion and Lucina Penor Daz, sons: Nestor and Marcle, and grandchildren: Lovella, John and Kevin Penor. Bernalda Tucay Purganan was born on March 7, 1924, in Amangbangan, Philippines to Luisa and Roman Purganan. She was the fifth of 13 children.

She married Maximo Bergonia Penor during World War II and they actually exchanged their vows while Japanese aircraft were flying overhead. They later had 7 children: Marcle, Lucina, Consolacion, Ricardo, Danilo, Nestor, and Jimmy. She had 16 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. They all called her Grandma Andang.

She came to the US in the early 1970's and traveled back and forth to visit her children and then grandchildren. She divided her time between Seattle and Alaminos, and occasionally in California and Las Vegas.

When her husband, Maximo, had a stroke in 1986, Bernalda diligently devoted her life taking care of him until his death in 1996. She always had a kind heart and did everything with a warm smile.

She was known for her sweet and cheerful personality, her embracing hugs and warm ticklish nose kisses. Her positive energy always filled any room she stepped foot in.

That smile. It was so loving and so contagious. It is almost impossible not to return a smile right back at her. And let's not forget, her delicious cooking and baking, especially her Denengdeng and her Bibingca. These were some of the many dishes that we would look forward to devouring. Her cooking brought our family together.

Dong-Dong Wen Canto Unay-Unay

~ Grandma’s Favorite Song ~