Carmen Valerio

Carmen Valerio Nov. 15, 1924 - Nov. 17, 2010 Resident of Alameda Carmen Natividad Valerio, longtime resident of Alameda, passed away on Wednesday, November 17, 2010, at her home. She was 86 years old. Born in the Pangasinan province in the Philippine Islands on November 15, 1924, She lived in Kauai, Hawaii and in Luzon, Philippines, before arriving in Alameda, California in 1946 as a war bride. She designed her own clothing and owned both a dressmaking shop and hair salon. Carmen was an active member in her community. She was a former president of the Filipino Women's Club of the East Bay, past president of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 598, active in the Sons and Daughters of Binmaley, the Filipino Catholic Organization of Oakland and the Filipino Catholic Federation of America, and the Charismatic Group of Oakland. She also participated in activities at the Mastick Senior Center in Alameda. In 1960, when she had only 10 children, the Young Ladies Institute voted her "Mother of the Year". She again received the honor of, "Women of the Year" by the FWCEB, after all twelve of her children were born. She was a regular participant in the 4th of July parade in Alameda, with her Filipino dance troupe, "The Jolly Group", which she founded. Carmen was preceded in death by her husband, Oliver Valerio, who died in 1969. Besides her love for community service, Filipino folk dancing and Hawaiian hula dancing, Carmen's greatest joy was spending quality time with her very large family at home. Carmen is survived by her sisters, Adelina Tolentino, Angie, Helen, and Nanie Bordalo, and her brothers, Andres and Meme Bordalo. She is also survived by her children, Alex, Cesar, Virgil, Carmencita, Ben, Mary, Monica, Raymond, Melissa, Dennis, Rosalie and John. Also, her 17 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. The family also wishes to acknowledge the love and daily care extended to their mother by Tirso and Minay Alcantara. Family and friends are invited to the viewing at 5pm to 7pm and rosary at 7 pm on Friday, November 26 at 7:00 pm. The funeral mass will be held Saturday, November 27 at 10:00 am at St. Philip Neri Parish, 3108 Van Buren Street, Alameda. A reception will follow to celebrate Carmen's life at the Monsignor O' Brien Hall, at St. Philip Neri Church.