Bernardita C. Palamos

1935 – 2024

On November 12, 2024, God called for one of his most faithful - Bernardita Corrales Palamos was granted her angel wings and welcomed into heaven. At 89 years young, Bernardita lived a happy and blessed life filled with love, journeys, hard work and determination. Together with her beloved husband of 66 years, Adolfo Palamos, she built and lived a wonderful life.

Dita, as her friends and family lovingly called her, was born on February 28, 1935, to Felicitas and Teodoro Corrales in Ilocos Sur, Narvacan, Philippines. The only sister among four brothers—Anting, Betong, Siding, and Doming—she grew up in a family of farmers, where she learned the value of hard work. During wartime, Dita, as a young girl, fled with her family to the mountains, scouring for food amidst scarcity. This experience taught her to appreciate food and give thanks for it, a lesson she passed on to her loved ones.

As a teenager, Dita loved running track and dancing. Her young adulthood brought new opportunities when her family sent her to nursing school in Hawaii. The move changed the trajectory of her life and her brothers' lives. She loved attending community socials, and it was at one such event she met Al, a U.S. Army soldier. They danced the night away, fell in love, and soon married, welcoming their eldest son, Allan.

As a U.S. Army military wife, Dita had the blessed opportunity to travel the world. After Allan’s birth, their journey took them to Fort Benning, Georgia, where AJ and Arlene were born. Dita built a community with other military wives, forming lifelong bonds. When Al was stationed in Vietnam, Dita stayed in Marina, CA, raising her young family and supporting a community of military wives. After Al’s return, they welcomed their youngest daughter, Angelie. Then stationed in Manheim, Germany Dita embraced European culture, traveling across France, Spain, Italy, and Netherlands.

When Al’s service ended, they chose to settle permanently in Marina, CA, where they laid down roots. Dita was the first in her family to immigrate to the United States and sponsored her brothers to come to the US, paving the way for future generations. As the family matriarch, Dita promoted the importance of family above all, instilling in her loved ones a deep appreciation for unity, compassion, and togetherness.

Her dedication to family extended beyond words—she brought everyone together through memorable family trips, planning cherished gatherings with her brothers and their families. The children and cousins hold dear memories of their adventures to Lake Tahoe, where Dita’s love and laughter filled their days with joy and lasting bonds.

Dita and Al became deeply involved in the Filipino American community. As First Lady of the Fil-Am Club, Dita coordinated Miss Maria Clara Pageants, scholarship drives, holiday events, community dances and meals for seniors. Her passion for giving back was evident in everything she did. She also joined the Fil-Am Dance Troupe, performing at local events and fairs.

A devout Catholic, Dita was an active member of St. Jude’s Parish, serving as a eucharistic minister and hosting novenas and prayer groups. She was also a member of the Filipino Catholic Association of Monterey Peninsula.

As her children grew, Dita pursued her passion for child care, working for over 18 years for the Monterey Peninsula School District. A teacher assistant / office aide at the Marina and Seaside Children’s Center, Dita helped families access affordable child care. Known as "Miss Dee," she was beloved by her colleagues and students for her kindness, laughter, and delicious cooking, pancit - lumpia, she often shared with all.

After a long and fruitful career and a lifetime of memories, Dita and Al retired to Las Vegas, NV. She enjoyed spending time with family, traveling with friends, cruising, helping to raise grandchildren, and playing bingo.

Dita leaves behind her husband, Adolfo; her children, Allan, Arlene Patel, and Angelie Bernet, her grandchildren Jordan Palamos, Joshua Patel, Jamison Patel, Jadori Patel, Michael Bernet, Matthew Bernet, Daniel Mikko Palamos and two grandchildren Zoey and Casey Palamos. She is reunited in heaven with her parent’s Felicitas and Teodoro Corrales; son AJ, and her cherished brothers, Anting, Betong, Siding, and Doming.

Her surviving family carries forward her legacy of kindness, strength, and family devotion. She also instilled in them the importance of education, hard work, and always cherishing the gift of family. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew her. She is now reunited with her family, bringing her journey full circle.

A visitation for Bernardita will be held Friday, November 29, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Palm Mortuary - Eastern, 7600 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89123. A funeral service will occur Friday, November 29, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, 7600 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89123. A committal service will occur Friday, November 29, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Palm Eastern Cemetery, 7600 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89120.