Magdalena Evangelista Parungao

Magdalena was a beloved community figure and matriarch known to many as “Daling,” “Nena” and “Nanay Magdalena.” She was called back to God on September 28, 2023 at the age of 92. She was known for her youthful energy, generosity to her church community and dedication to her family.

Magdalena was born on December 10, 1930 in Arayat, Pampanga, Philippines to Simeon and Feliza Medina Evangelista and was one of 8 children. She married Benjamin Chavez Paruñgao, Sr. and they had 7 children, 11 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. She set the bar high instilling values like exceptional work ethic and integrity. Their family was their pride and joy and she loved showing up to support their sports, performing arts and academic achievement events.

She was a successful businesswoman - from her grocery store in Quezon City to her sunroom in her San Jose home selling jewelry and designer purses to the family business Sun Jose, Hawaii. If you saw her at Sun Jose, she was either happy to see you or watching you like a hawk to make sure you did not steal merchandise, or her youngest son. She was a negotiator who knew how to get the best deals and never hesitated to ask “do you have a discount?” whether it was the flea market or mall.

Magdalena was more than a businesswoman, she was a kind and compassionate matriarch who made a profound impact on everyone who knew her. In her 80’s she dedicated her life volunteering to help children and the impoverished community in Pangasinan where she built and donated a chapel and a home.

Our mom & Lola’s legacy will live on in the lives she touched and

we are forever grateful for the memories we have with her.

A visitation service for Magdalena will be held Friday, October 20, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by a liturgical service at 12:00 PM in "The Chapel of the Oaks" located at Oak Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 300 Curtner Ave, San Jose, CA 95125. The committal service is from 2:15 PM to 3:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.oakhillfuneral.com for the Parungao family.