Alma De Guzman Pedralvez

Alma De Guzman Pedralvez was a loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother (Mama Alma), Sister, Aunt, Cousin and Friend. She left this world to join our Creator on April 6, 2022, at the age of 71.

Alma was born to Esperanza Fernandez and Daniel De Guzman on November 2, 1950 in San Carlos City, Pangasinan, Philippines. Alma's childhood home was lively and full in the heart of Basista, Pangasinan, Philippines with 9 siblings: Estrella, Evelyn (dec.), Ligaya, Eufemia, Luzvisminda, Julius (dec.), Marlon, and Urduja. Alma in her early 20's had an opportunity to emigrate to the US as a registered nurse, which started her journey of establishing a life in the United States filled with family, love, fun, and fulfillment.

Alma married Angel (Lito) Pedralvez III on January 7, 1979 and together they had three children: Melodyanne, Diwata Vida, and Timothy Alan; and four grandchildren: Laila Anne, Dominic Charles, Isaac David, and Violet Skye. Alma and Lito raised their family in Southern California and traveled often, domestically and internationally, including back to their home country of the Philippines. They loved to travel and have many great memories of being on the road, exploring new places. In recent years, Alma enjoyed many weekends with her grandchildren cooking for them (food is love!), singing and dancing, as well as being their biggest cheerleader as she was extremely proud of them. Alma also spent much time with her siblings enjoying life and continuing the loving legacy that their parents left behind.

Alma attended Sepnas High School in San Carlos City, Pangasinan and graduated in 1967. She then attended the University of Pangasinan and obtained a Bachelors in Nursing degree in 1972. Alma remained close with many high school and college friends, many of whom became an extension of her own family. While Alma worked as a nursing supervisor, she pursued a Masters in Health Administration from the University of La Verne, graduating in 2002. For over 40 years as a registered nurse, Alma inspired and empowered those who crossed paths with her. Her compassion, empathy, selflessness, self-awareness, and thirst for knowledge not only made her a great nurse, but a role model, humanitarian and leader. Having worked in a variety of facilities, assuming the roles of registered nurse, charge nurse, nursing supervisor, educator, and director of nursing, Alma took pride in what she was able to accomplish as a caregiver, teacher, manager, and client advocate. While a nursing supervisor at the VA Loma Linda Healthcare System, Alma was involved with the Diversity Committee. She organized events that brought local student organizations and businesses from the surrounding community to participate in the sharing of different cultures with others. With the success of her events, Alma became president of the Federal Asian Pacific American Council - VA Loma Linda Chapter. Alma also became a mentor for the Asian Pacific Islander Women's Mentoring Program (APIWMP) through the Asian Pacific Student Program (APSP) office at UC Riverside. As a APIWMP mentor, she mentored and empowered undergraduate and graduate API women in their education, personal, and career paths. In 2006, Alma realized that to improve the quality of nurses, she needed to be where it starts, in the classroom. She joined the teaching staff of 4D College and Cal State San Bernardino as a clinical instructor. With her love for teaching, she took it another step further and became a provider for continuing education units and additional certifications. Alma continued to work as a ICU registered nurse to keep up her skills while continuing to teach. Alma retired after 40+ years dedicated to the profession of nursing.

Outside of nursing, Alma was very involved with different organizations, including taking on leadership roles in many of them. Alma was involved with the San Carnelian Association where its mission was to promote unity, family, and the acknowledgement of youth's accomplishments. She also was involved with the United Filipino Association of the Inland Empire (UFAIE) which raised awareness and camaraderie among the Filipino community as well as educated youth about their Filipino culture. But the organization that she most dedicated her heart to was the Association of Basistans in California (ABC) which provided youth scholarships and funding support for town improvements to her hometown of Basista, Pangasinan, Philippines.

Alma was also a devout Catholic. She raised her family with humble life values and committed to the church by participating in events, being a part of the choir, teaching catechism, and praying for everyone, including those who do not think they need prayers said for them. Notably, Alma was a part of the Cursillo Ministry in the Diocese of San Bernardino. As an active member, she supported church events and outreach efforts to assist low-income families. The fellowship of the Cursillo Ministry extended beyond just church, but into her life with friends, many of whom became an extension of her own family.

Alma loved not only being with her family, community, and church; she also loved being with her friends. Alma regularly hosted events at her home, attended events at the Rancho Cucamonga Senior Center, and danced alongside friends with perfect timing and poise. It was amongst others, friends and family, that Alma was happiest.

Alma resided in Fontana, California at the time of her passing. A celebration of life is scheduled for May 5, 2022, followed by funeral services on March 6, 2022, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Ontario, California, followed by interment at Forest Lawn, Covina Hills, California.