Severa "Berang" Navarro Lazo

Severa "Berang" Navarro Lazo was known as many things to many people. She was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew her best, Severa will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

Severa was born on November 8, 1923 at Baguio General Hospital in Tuding, Itogon, Benguet Philippines. She was the daughter of Martin and Dominga Comilang Navarro. Severa grew up in Baguio City, Philippines.

Severa was raised with five siblings. She had four sisters, Susan, Cora, Adela and Purita (deceased), and one brother, Ernie (deceased). Severa was usually involved in all sorts of activities with her siblings. She and her siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

As a young girl, Severa had a number of interests. Like most children, she enjoyed playing and making up games. She was curious about the world around her and was often eager to explore it. She was a Girl Scout. However, to Severa, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with her friends.

A typical teenager, Severa had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. She graduated from Baguio City High School in 1950. She enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers.

Severa enjoyed her college years, which may have been a challenge with all of the academics, responsibilities, and the sudden freedom that accompanied them, but Severa was able to manage the balancing act. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Education. Her favorite courses were Math.

Always considered a “good” friend to those she knew, Severa enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during her lifetime. Later in life, she became friends with Auring Supnet and Noieme Bertubin.

In 1945 Severa exchanged wedding vows with Ireneo Puruganan Lazo in Baguio City, Philippines. Empathic and loyal, Severa was committed to making her new family happy.

Severa worked hard to be a good mother to her children and she did her best to fulfill their needs. Severa was blessed with ten children, Eddie, Babot, Manny, Jean, Tita, Dan, Dom, Diony, and Lito.

Fortunately, Severa enjoyed what she did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Severa worked diligently and did her best to succeed in her career. Her primary occupation was as a teacher. She was also employed as a care provider. Severa always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

Severa enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for her to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included the Philippines.

When Severa’s retirement finally arrived, she was well prepared. Her new life involved relocating to San Jose, California. Even in retirement, Severa continued to stay in touch with her old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. Severa was active in her new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered her.

Severa passed away on March 23, 2012 at home in San Jose, California due to cancer. She is survived by her children. Services were held at Oak Hill Funeral Home in the Chapel of Roses in San Jose, California.

Simply stated, Severa was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Severa leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Severa "Berang" Navarro Lazo.