Emerenciana (“Beling”/”Mereng”/”Mary”) Dabu Altares passed away peacefully at home in San Diego, CA at the age of 92. Emerenciana was born on October 10, 1932 to Julian Manuel Dabu and Hermogina Bagang Dabu in Lubao, Pampanga, Philippines. She graduated from high school as the salutatorian of Holy Rosary Academy in 1949. She then completed two years of college at the University of the East in Manila with a degree in Commerce. She moved from Pampanga to Olongapo City to pursue business ventures and married David Apino Altares in 1953, who worked as a painter at the Subic Bay Naval Base. They owned a large home and a store on Harris Street where they housed many tenants who would become their lifelong friends. The couple welcomed nine children. Following the unexpected and tragic death of her brother, Pacifico, in 1969, she took in her ten nephews and nieces, assisted with their education, and helped them migrate and establish their lives in the United States.
She moved to the United States in 1985 and worked as a housekeeper at the former Hebrew Home in San Diego for 5 years and finally at Villa Rancho Bernardo for 11 years until her retirement in 2001.
Nanay Mereng was talented with gardening, which she considered her therapy. She had a green thumb and everything she planted bloomed and thrived. Every morning, she sang and talked to her plants so they would bear an abundant harvest. She loved to cook and sew. In her free time, she gracefully danced to the music on Showtime, Wowowee, and Eat Bulaga. She would often fervently share her opinions while watching the news and current events.
She is survived by her children Leticia, Alicia, Enrique, Rolando, David Jr., Diosdado, Joseph, and Ian Dave. She is preceded in death by her husband, David and daughter, Teresita; brothers Conrado and Pacifico; and sisters Marcelina and Luminada. Affectionately known to many simply as Nanay, she led a life full of kindness and generosity, and left behind a legacy of selflessness, compassion, and unwavering devotion to faith and family.
A viewing and reception are scheduled on Thursday, August 7, 2025 from 4 in the afternoon until 8 in the evening at El Camino Memorial - Sorrento Valley, located at 5600 Carroll Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA 92121. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Nanay Mereng’s life.
On Thursday, August 14th, 2025, a Funeral mass will be held at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 8200 Gold Coast Dr, San Diego, CA 92126 at 10 in the morning. Thereafter, per Nanay Mereng’s wishes, her cremated remains will be laid to rest next to her husband, David on Thursday, August 14, 2025 at 11 in the morning until 12 noon at El Camino Memorial - Sorrento Valley, located at 5600 Carroll Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA 92121.
