On Saturday, January 25, 2020, Lavinia Tunac Castillo, loving wife and mother of eight children, passed away peacefully at the age of 85 with her family by her side. Lavinia was born in Vintar, Ilocos Norte, Philippines on July 19, 1934 to Andres Tunac, Sr. and Nemesia Nagtalon. She was the oldest of six children and grew up with her siblings dividing their time between Manila and Vintar.
Lavinia started piano lessons at a young age, becoming a very proficient pianist who continued playing throughout her life. As a young woman, she was known for being shy (but proud), elegant, and soft-spoken. In 1957, she graduated from Chinese General Hospital College of Nursing and began working for the Quezon City Department of Health as a public health nurse.
In 1958, Lavinia married Expedito and they were married for 61 years. Lavinia and Expedito were based in Manila, raising their eight children. Lavinia was actively involved in the church and was the first Regent of Daughters of Mary Immaculate-Our Lady of Fatima Circle in Quezon City. Lavinia and Expedito immigrated to the United States in 1995 and lived in New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, and California. They also frequently traveled back to the Philippines to visit.
In their later years, Lavinia and Expedito settled in Carson, enjoying the warm weather of southern California. Lavinia loved watching Filipino telenovelas, crocheting, and shopping. Her favorite musical was Phantom of the Opera, and her family delighted in her playing both classical and modern piano pieces. Lavinia also loved to dance, and she enjoyed teaching dance routines to her friends at Carson Adult Day Care. Lavinia loved to celebrate milestones such as anniversaries and birthdays, bringing together friends and family for joyful parties.
Lavinia had a passion for cooking Ilocano dishes and baking chiffon cake for her family and friends. Her Pinakbet and Igado were out of this world and will surely be missed. She was known for her quick wit, her friendly smile, her kind and compassionate spirit and her camaraderie. She continued to participate with activities of Daughters of Mary Immaculate when she was visiting Philippines and was awarded a Certificate of Recognition in August 2018.
Lavinia is remembered by her family and friends as “Mommy” who is now their guardian angel. She is survived by her husband Expedito, eight children Luchie (Chicky), Popo (Jojo), Doco (Connie), Edison (Nelda), Erwin (Delia), Girlie (Dennis), Mylene (Norman) and Babette (John), twelve grandchildren DJ, Jessica, Jason, Emerson, Jeselle, Nico, Eloi, Danjo, Edda, Bianca, Carolina and Daryl, three sisters Lily, Rosy and Vicky, two brothers Edwin and Andres, Jr. and other family members and relatives. Lavinia was predeceased by her parents, Nemesia and Andres, Sr. and by her grandson, Emil Anthony.
Her remains lie in state at Hall A, Arlington Memorial Chapels & Crematory, 12 Gregorio Araneta Avenue, Quezon City, Philippines. Cremation rites will be at The Arlington Crematory on Saturday, February 22, 2020 after the 9:00 a.m. mass. Inurnment follows at the Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Quezon City.