Imelda Paranada Pantaleon

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." – 2 Timothy 4:7-8 Imelda Paranada Pantaleon was born July 25, 1940 to Apolonio Paranada and Jacinta Beltran in San Isidro, San Marcelino, Zambales. She attended San Marcelino Elementary School and on March 24, 1956 received her high school diploma from St. Williams's School. She furthered her education and on May 2, 1960 received a Mid-Wifery Diploma from St. Catherine's School in Quezon City, Philippines. On December 27, 1964, she married Benjamin Fantone Pantaleon in San Marcelino, Zambales. He served 15 years in the U.S. Navy as a military chef and in 1971 the family relocated from the Philippines to San Diego, California and in 1972 they moved to Wilmington, California. The family settled in Carson, California in 1973 where Imelda became a longtime residence until her passing Thursday, August 28, 2014 at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Westwood, California. Imelda spent a big part of her work life as a Purchase Agent for the VA Hospital in Long Beach and retired in 2001. Next to God and her children the closest things next to her heart were her grandchildren. She gave us all such courage and reminded us of the preciousness of life. She enjoyed cooking for her grandchildren and spending hours visiting them. She loved scarfs, going to different places, parties, dancing, jewelry and the color mauve. In 1987 Imelda was introduced to Pablo Espanola Jr. ("Papa Jun") by a mutual friend Cora Nudas. Early in their courtship Jun was touched on how she valued the simple things. Seeing her strength and ability to handle finances and the way she stood proud of him were the very same qualities that attracted him to her 27 years ago. Although Imelda's life would seem too short for many, Jun was touched by her and understood the quality of her existence far exceeded the quantity of time in which they shared. Her gentle smile brought so much joy to our family. Imelda was preceded in death by her parents, Apolonio and Jacinta and by her beloved husband Benjamin Fantone Pantaleon in 1975. She leaves her loving memories to be cherished by her, loving sons, Patrick and Praire of Carson, California and Phillip (Marlo) of Chino, California; Her cherished grandchildren, DJ, Phoebe, Dakota, Aleah and Diego; Her devoted sweetheart, Pablo Espanola Jr.; Her loving sister Wagayway and devoted brothers Francisco (Hamida) and Benedicto (Jovita); Adorning nieces and nephews along with countless other friends and family whom were blessed to know her. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Patrick Pantaleon