When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Vilma Baluyot Salandanan who was indeed a born manager. She will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. She was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with her throughout her life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Vilma was an individual who clearly communicated to those around her just who she was and what she was all about. Everyone acquainted with Vilma knew her as a well-respected woman who was a stable force in her community.
Vilma was born on May 3, 1956 at home in Abucay, Bataan, Philippines. Her parents were Mauro and Julita Baluyot. Vilma was raised in Abucay, Bataan, Philippines. Even as a youngster, Vilma learned to be objective and decisive. Her faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that she carried with her throughout her life.
As a young girl, Vilma was able to put her natural abilities to work. She was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, she liked to organize and direct. Vilma was raised with ten siblings. She had five sisters, Elena, Nelia, Carmelita, Nenita, and Susan, and five brothers, Oscar, Romeo, Mauro Jr., Sonny, and Reynaldo. Vilma had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Vilma, this was a natural order of life, one she gladly embraced.
In school, Vilma was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. She sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of her classes. She would eagerly complete her homework, and often put in extra study time when she felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Vilma was always good at following directions and meeting her schedules, whether they were set by her teachers or were self-imposed. Vilma’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” She graduated from Arellano High School in 1972. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was Math.
Vilma’s practical work ethic carried over into her college years. Her logical mind permitted her to work hard without succumbing to the usual distractions of college life. She would tackle an assignment and work through it before moving onto the next project. Vilma’s orderly nature gave way to establishing personal study habits and procedures that not only helped her stay on track but often put her ahead of schedule. When Vilma saw the need or benefit, she would willingly take on the extra assignment or even attend extra classes in order to learn more and become a better student. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from St. Jude College in 1978. Her favorite courses were Math. Her favorite professor was Dean Gonzalez.
Vilma was sociable and approachable. Because she was always so straightforward in how she approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. She enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Vilma was a member of a group, her interaction worked to keep the others grounded. She wasn’t afraid to confront her friends and, when necessary, she challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Vilma came to expect her high standards of performance. While in high school, some of her friends were Celia, Lena, Nenette, Nilo, Norvy, Joe, and Gloria. In college, some of her friends were Delia and Jocelynda. Later in life, she became friends with people from Valley Medical Center EPS and the Nursing School Thaddean Group.
An objective and conscientious individual, Vilma reveled in the security of her family. On March 20, 1980 Vilma exchanged wedding vows with Apolinario Armia Salandanan at a courthouse in Chicago, Illinois. One of Vilma’s most endearing qualities was her uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and her unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for her family and friends.
Vilma was ever watchful of her children. She worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. She maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Vilma would give her stamp of approval to their requests, as long as she could see how they might benefit. She also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that her children were properly raised. Vilma was blessed with two daughters, Julie Ann and Thereza. She was also blessed with three grandchildren, Brennan Lucas, Aria Theresse, and Jacob Jaxson.
Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Vilma was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. She was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Vilma was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. She worked cooperatively and expected the same from her colleagues. In both her personal and professional environments, Vilma upheld her standards. Her primary occupation was as a registered nurse. She was employed at VA Palo Alto and Santa Clara Valley Medical Center EPS. Vilma was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”
Vilma approached her leisure time in the same manner that she approached her life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, she appreciated the hours she was able to devote to her various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were shopping, baking, cooking, and crocheting. Vilma was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.
Being generous with her time and energy, Vilma liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. She was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. Her desire to uphold traditions and her ability to take charge of any type of project made her a tremendous asset. Throughout her later years, Vilma was an active member of the Legions of Mary and Hijas de Maria.
Faith was important to Vilma. She held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay she saw around her. For that reason she held deep spiritual beliefs that she was willing to share. She was a member of St. Victor's Parish for over 20 years.
When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Vilma used her scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that she made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Vilma had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included the Philippines, Las Vegas, and Europe.
Vilma was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Vilma’s favorites was Lily, a Pekingese dog. They were best friends for 13 years.
When Vilma’s retirement finally arrived in 2011, she was well prepared. She used her critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. In retirement, she found new pleasure in shopping, going to church, spending time with her grandchildren, and playing her blazing 7's at the casino. In many ways, Vilma loved retirement. It provided her with the opportunity to catch up with her friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.
Vilma passed away on February 1, 2014 at home in San Jose, California. She fought a brave battle against breast cancer. She is survived by her husband Apolinario; her children Julie Ann and Thereza; her grandchildren Brennan Lucas, Aria Theresse, and Jacob Jaxson; and her son-in-laws Sonny and Aries. Services were held at St. Victor's Parish in San Jose, California.
All who knew her would agree that Vilma was a pillar of the community. She lived her life with her feet firmly on the ground. She had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in her thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. She was willing to share her ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Vilma Baluyot Salandanan did her best to ensure that her family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life she touched was given the chance to become a better person.
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