Emma Del Pilar Porras

Emma del Pilar Porras began her journey to heaven on September 3, 2024, in San Diego, CA surrounded by several family members, including her loving daughters. Born on November 1, 1932, in Iloilo City, Philippines, to Augustin and Virginia del Pilar, Emma was the oldest of eight children. Although she came from humble beginnings, she lived a remarkable life filled with love, resilience, and devotion to her family and community.

Growing up during the turbulence of World War II, Emma and her family fled to the mountains to escape the Japanese occupation. Despite these hardships, Emma began honing her skills in sewing and cooking at a young age, talents that would carry her through life. In 1956, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Education, majoring in Home Economics with a minor in Library Science, from the Philippines Women’s College.

On September 16, 1956, Emma married U.S. Navy serviceman Max Porras, becoming Mrs. Emma Porras. They welcomed their first child, Jane, on June 14, 1957, in Cavite City, Philippines. Over the years, Emma became affectionately known as "Grandma," "Oma," or "Lola" to her growing family, which now includes 14 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

In 1958, Emma left her hometown of Iloilo City in search of a better life and moved to the United States, initially traveling up and down the West Coast before settling permanently in San Diego in 1967. It was a courageous decision, as she was unfamiliar with American culture and knew very few people. As a military wife to United States Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Max Porras, Emma made significant contributions to her country by supporting her husband and raising their five children, often staying home for months at a time alone while Max was deployed at sea.

Emma was a resourceful mother of five, working tirelessly to ensure her children were well-cared for. She sewed and repaired their clothes, baked their birthday cakes, and created budget-friendly yet delicious meals. As her children grew, Emma took on various jobs to supplement the family income. She sold Avon products, taught at a Catholic school, sewed garments at a clothing factory, taught cake decorating, and worked in electronics assembly before retiring.

Emma cherished her time cooking for family and friends, playing mahjong, enjoying trips to the casino, traveling with her husband and family, and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was also a founding and standing member of the Kahirup Club of San Diego, where she built lifelong friendships.

Emma was a loving, caring, and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She instilled the importance of family values and faith in God in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, leaving a lasting legacy across three generations.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 60 years, Max, her son-in-law Tom Umhoefer, her great-granddaughter Jazzalyn Porras, and six of her siblings.

Emma is survived by her sister, Editha Jurisprudencia of the Philippines, and her five children: Jane (Ron) Steele of San Diego, CA; John (Margie) Porras of Highlands Ranch, CO; Cheryl Umhoefer of Sussex, WI; Max, Jr. (Mabel) Porras of Jefferson, GA; and Michelle Porras of San Diego, CA.

She also leaves behind 14 grandchildren: Janelle, Brennen, Derrek (Jose), Ashley (Rafael), Danielle (Tom), Aaron (Lena), Jon, Max III (Analeigh), Morgan (Brandon), Mariah (Garrett), Monica, Mason, Mikey, and Melia. Emma was a proud great-grandmother to 18 great-grandchildren: Jason, Melanie, Bella, Everett-John, Elliott, Peyton, Dan, Jazzalyn (deceased), Lenore, Rowan, Josephine, Charlotte, Ian, Theo, Gavin, Emerson, and Collin. Emma is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews in the U.S. and abroad. Her warmth, love of family and spirit will always be cherished and remembered by her family and everyone who knew her.

“You are my Sunshine, my only Sunshine…”

Guests are encouraged to wear shades of lavender and pink; Emma's favorite colors. The men are also welcome to wear barong’s.

Going live at 12:00PM via memoryafilms.com/porras

When

Saturday Sep 21, 2024 ⋅ 10:30am – 2:30pm (Pacific Time - Los Angeles)