Leona Villanueva Gahon

Leona Principe Villanueva Gahon was born in Paowin Cavinti, Laguna (Philippines) on February 10, 1944. An incredibly beautiful human being, both inside and out, Leona lived a humble and quiet life in dedication and pursuit of loving God, her entire family and everyone around her. Sadly, Leona departed on June 2, 2026. She was 82 years old and died in Ontario, California.

Leona championed life: the ability to maneuver with grace, kindness and compassion throughout despite challenges life threw at her. With each obstacle, Leona emerged stronger and more resilient. Her lifelong service to God, caring for countless individuals and praying for them, apart from family and friends, continuously refined her into a bright, sophisticated woman with a heart of gold. While her poise and beauty beckoned, it was her light that attracted many.

A strong and hardworking woman, Leona, known to others as Ta’Cho, Ta’Yo, Ka Iyo, or Ate Iyo, fully embraced her role as daughter, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, wife, mother, grandmother and friend with zeal. Leona is a brave and courageous woman with a can-do attitude towards everything in life. She loved family gatherings and thoroughly enjoyed long conversations with her sisters and friends. When she was not immersed in prayers or fondly gushing over her grandchildren, she was tending to her garden, plucking her Sampaguita flowers to place at her altar for God.

She is lovingly remembered by her husband of 56 years, Joven R. Gahon; three daughters: Mary Jane McLaughlin (Christopher), Mary Rose V. Gahon and Mary Anne Pamplona (Jessie), and grandchildren; Sumaya Jane and Kirin Spain Pamplona.

Leona is also survived by her siblings: Victoriana V. Bituin, Pampila V. Del Mundo and Benigno Villanueva (Loida). She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews and a great grand nephew and niece , all who love and will miss her dearly.

As her name dictated, Leona loved with a fierceness that is immeasurable. She loved loyally, tenderly, unconditionally. Even though Leona is no longer with us, the love she gifted everyone with will continue and spread from here on forward because it is the kind of love that originates from a pure heart. A woman with a heart of gold, a heart so pure… our most dear and most loved Leona Principe Villanueva Gahon.

Cremation services will be held privately for Leona Principe Villanueva Gahon. A memorial service to honor her life will be held on Saturday, July 11 at 1 p.m. at St. Frances of Rome Church in Azusa, California.