Natividad Paunan Carranza

Natividad Paunan Carranza, a beacon of love and adventure, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2025, in Virginia Beach, VA, at the age of 95. Born on September 3, 1929, in Gapan, Nueva Ecija, Philippines, Natividad's life was a tapestry of dedication to her family, her profession, and her love for travel and culinary delights.

Natividad was the cherished daughter of the late Lino Paunan Sr. and Rafaela Esteban. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Virgilio Carranza, her son Enrique Sanchez, and her stepson Rhene "JoJo" Carranza.

Her legacy continues through Enrique (deceased) Sanchez (Evangeline) and their son, her stepsons, Roland "Bobby" Carranza (Robin) and their three children, Romell "Rayboy" Carranza and his two children, Rhene (deceased) Carranza (Terry) and their four children, and Redem "Milo" Carranza (Agnes) and their two children, as well as her stepdaughter, Rossanne "Babylyn" Carranza-Dunson (Alvis) and their four children. Natividad was the last to join her siblings Consorcia Veneracion, Guillermo Paunan, Jose Paunan, Matilde Tolentino, Amelia Vallarta, Leticia Bote, Ricardo Paunan, Lino Paunan Jr., Antonio Paunan, and Luningning Ormilon in eternal rest, leaving behind her half-brother Simeon Paunan. Her grandchildren, Veronica Sanchez-Rico (Myron) and Reymarco Sanchez (Lyka), and great-grandchildren, Jonathan, Jaelynn, and Justin Rico, will forever treasure her memory.

An alumna of the University of Santo Thomas in the Philippines, Natividad began her career as a pharmacist, a role in which she excelled with her characteristic diligence and care. Her journey brought her to the United States, where she eventually retired as a Medical Technologist at Leigh Memorial Hospital in Norfolk, VA. Prior to that, she rendered her invaluable services at Presbyterian Hospital and Montclair Hospital, both in Newark, NJ.

Natividad's love for cooking was legendary; her dishes were not only a feast for the taste buds but also a warm embrace for the soul. Her culinary skills were a cornerstone of family gatherings, where laughter and stories were shared over her lovingly prepared meals. An avid traveler, Natividad found joy in exploring new places, whether on solo adventures or alongside her beloved husband. Her adventurous spirit was matched by her thoughtful nature, always considering the happiness and well-being of those around her.

A devout Catholic, Natividad's faith was a guiding light throughout her life, providing her with strength and comfort. She found great pleasure in gathering her family from out of town, and her home was often filled with the lively clatter of Mahjong tiles, a testament to the close bonds she fostered with her loved ones.

A Visitation/Wake service for will be held Tuesday, July 1, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home, 601 North Witchduck Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23462. A funeral mass will occur Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at 10:00 AM at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, 5345 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23462. With a burial to follow at Rosewood Memorial Park, 631 N Witchduck Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23462.

Natividad will be remembered as a loving, adventurous, and thoughtful woman whose presence enriched the lives of all who knew her. Her life was a testament to the power of love, the joy of exploration, and the importance of family. Though she has departed from this world, her spirit will continue to inspire and guide us.