Josefina L. "Pinang" Montenegro

Josefina who was fondly called Pinang was born to Buenaventura and Juliana Leyran in the Philippines. She was the eldest of four children. When Josefina was nine, her mother passed away giving birth. Even at a tender age, she assumed the role of mother to her younger siblings. She grew up to be a beauty capturing the heart of a young man named Angel. They would eventually marry at 19 and 24, respectively. After a year, they were blessed with the birth of their eldest whom they named Gene. Angel worked hard to provide for his family and later moved to Manila with them. Here, the family would grow to include Dodie, Linda, Rey, Chito, Joey, Ruby, David, Stella and Ramon. Angel single-handedly made enough money to send all ten children to finish college while Josefina took care of the household with help coming from younger sister Remy. Josefina and Angel would later on immigrate to the US through son Dodie's assistance. Josefina who never held an office job worked at the First Data Resources in San Mateo where she held the distinction of becoming an Employee of the Month. In the meantime, the rest of the sons and daughters immigrated to the US as well where most of them would marry and have families of their own. The highlight of Josefina and Angel's stay in the US was when they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. It was a surprise put together by the kids who saved enough money to make it a grand celebration. Josefina is most proud of her ten children, twenty grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.