Magdalena May Oloteo

Filomena Magdalena Espero Mayo Oloteo passed away on April 5, 2012 in Duarte, California surrounded by her family. Magdalena was born on July 5, 1918 in Bacnotan, La Union, Philippines to Adolfo Gaon Mayo and Clara Espero Mayo. She was the fifth of seven children. At the age of 2, Magdalena was adopted by her father’s sister, Andrea Gaon Mayo, and brother in-law, Laureano Espero, who were not blessed with a child of their own. It wasn’t until she married Paulino Oloteo in 1936 that she learned she was adopted and her parents were actually her aunt and uncle. Shortly after marriage, Magdalena gave birth to her first child, Floro. Floro was followed by Candida, Romeo, Alicia, Catherine, Melba, and Luz respectively. On March 29, 1969, Magdalena emigrated from the Philippines to America with youngest daughter, Luz. The rest of the family followed suit shortly thereafter. Through her early years in America, Magdalena worked as a housekeeper and resided in Pasadena. In the late 70’s, she moved to Duarte, CA. Magdalena was loved and adored by everyone that knew her. She was the matriarch of a family of seven children and twenty-one grandchildren. Her generosity, fun-loving spirit, and her tenderhearted care were what she was best known for. All those who encountered her were greeted with open arms and treated with the kindest heart. A funeral mass was held on Friday, April 13, 2012 at Immaculate Conception Church in Monrovia, California with interment at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Covina, California. Care entrusted to the Douglass & Zook Chapel of Remembrance in Monrovia.