Magdalena Navarro Lumabao

Magdalena Navarro Lumabao, 91, was born on March 12, 1935, and passed away on April 22, 2026. A resident of South Pasadena, California, Magdalena will be remembered with deep gratitude and enduring love for a life defined by steady faith, tireless work, and a quiet, unwavering devotion to family, friends and community.

Born in San Fernando, La Union, Philippines, Magdalena was raised Catholic and, even as a child, attended church services as often as possible. Coming from a poor family that could only afford for her to complete a 6th grade education, she met life with humility and determination, beginning her first work in agriculture—work that would become not just a job, but a lifelong calling marked by perseverance and strength.

Magdalena built a 25+ year career working in the local vineyards for a variety of farmers, retiring at the age of sixty-five in 2000. Yet retirement did not slow her spirit of service. She gave her time through committee service with her Filipino Catholic Association, the Filipino Sr. Citizens Community and continued to attend weekly Mass. She traveled many parts of the world with her son—carrying with her the same thoughtful care and generous heart that shaped every season of her life.

On January 16, 1971, Magdalena married Bonifacio Bungcayao Lumabao in San Fernando, La Union, Philippines. She is lovingly remembered by her son, Bo Lumabao; his husband, Brent Schultheis; and their three children, Jace, Quinn, and Coen. She is also remembered with love as the daughter of Abdon Galvez Navarro and Rufina Ramos Navarro, and as the sister of Abelardo Ramos Navarro, whose four children—Anabel, Jovel, Analyn, and Jan—were among the many who knew her care, her steadiness, and her selfless support.

In the home, Magdalena’s love was often expressed through the simple, beautiful gifts of her hands. She found joy in cooking and crocheting, making traditional Filipino desserts and bedspreads that carried warmth into the lives of those around her. She also treasured gardening—growing vegetables such as long beans, “saluyot”, eggplant, "paria", and tending the many flower gardens in her homes with patience and pride. In these daily devotions, her kindness and consideration were always present, offered quietly but felt deeply.

For Magdalena, the Catholic Church remained a guiding beacon—shaping how she moved through the world with gratitude, compassion, and love. She made sacrifices for her family from childhood through her later years, never seeking recognition. To many, she was a silent hero: helpful, hardworking, and steadfast, offering strength in ways that did not call attention to themselves, yet changed lives all the same.

Visitation will be held at Funeraria Del Angel Delano, 707 Browning Rd., Delano, CA 93215-9747, on May 11, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A Rosary will be held there on May 11, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 1015 Clinton St., Delano, CA 93215, on May 12, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Committal Service will follow at North Kern Cemetery District, 627 Austin St., Delano, CA 93215, on May 12, 2026, from 11:00 am to 11:30 am.

Pallbearers will be Brent Schultheis, Samuel Navarro, Christian Navarro, Jan Navarro, Jovel Navarro and Jonathan Domingo.

The family extends heartfelt appreciation to the Filipino Catholic Association of Delano; The Navarro Family; The Schultheis Family; Ingrid Monakil; the Sr. Citizens Filipino Community of Delano; the healthcare team that provided expert care in her final years—Dr. Grace Bautista, Dr. Amish Patel, Dr. Jhanna Nariyants, Dr. Warren Lee, Dr. Vickram Reelhal, and Dr. Leo Unger; the community of Richgrove where she first resided and built her first friendships when she moved to the United States in 1972 and all the family friends and co-workers that have extended their heartfelt love and prayers.

“DEAR MOM”

by Bruce B. Wilmer

I want to say so many things, I don't know how to start.

I want to capture and describe the feelings in my heart.

But words are so inadequate to tell you how I feel

That scarcely anything I say will my true thoughts reveal.

Just let it now suffice to say that deep inside I know

My love for you is something that I never will outgrow.

Your many special traits will always in my heart combine

In such a way that you alone a perfect mom define.

Your warmth and caring are the traits that I am proudest of.

My future's brighter through the final example of your love.

May our mother, grandmother, auntie and dear friend, eternally rest in peace within God's kingdom.