Nelda Climaco

With deep love and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Nelda Novella Urgello Climaco, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, who peacefully departed this life on July 10, 2025 in Woodland Hills, California at the age of 84.

Nelda was born on February 21, 1941 in Cebu City, Philippines to Jesus Urgello and Concepcion “Conchita” Rubio Novella. She was the sister of Vicente “Inting” Urgello and Rodolfo “Rudy” Urgello.

She attended Philippine Women’s University in Manila, where she earned a degree in Secretarial Studies. At the age of 21, Nelda married the love of her life, Rodolfo “Dick” “Rudy” Climaco on March 17, 1962. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and purpose.

A devoted homemaker, Nelda lovingly raised seven children; Raymund “Ray” Climaco, Aurora “Myra” Climaco Mullany and husband Jim, Richard “Ricky” Climaco and wife Karina, Criselda “Maricres” Climaco Lozada and husband Louis, Mercedes “Ditas” Climaco Piper and husband Mike, Ronald “Ronnie” Climaco and wife Grace, and Cecilia “Maricel” Climaco Fernan and husband Oman.

She was a proud and loving grandmother to her grandchildren; Justin, Harrison, Renzo, Kian, Sophia, Michael, Caterina, William, Hardison, Isabella, Matteo, Jordan, Matthew, Kyle, Myles, Kaden, and Kate.

Nelda and Rudy made the courageous decision to leave everything behind in the Philippines and started a new life in California - a leap of faith she took for the good of her young and growing family. It was a decision rooted in strength, hope, and love.

Nelda was known for her zest for life. She travelled parts of the world with her husband, attended countless social events and gatherings, and brought joy and warmth wherever she went. She loved playing mahjong with friends and relatives on frequent visits to Cebu and back home in California, and enjoyed a good hand of blackjack, her favorite card game, at the casino.

A woman of strong faith, Nelda was a devout Catholic and a faithful supporter of St. Bernardine of Siena Church in Woodland Hills. She and Rodolfo celebrated their 50th Golden wedding anniversary in 2012, and again marked 60 years of marriage in 2022- milestones that reflected a lifetime of unwavering love and partnership.

Those who knew Nelda will remember her for her generosity, kindness, and fierce love for her family. She was a pillar of strength and grace, deeply loved by many and respected by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and joy that will live on through her children, grandchildren, and all those whose lives she touched.