Amelia Labayna

Our precious and loving mother Amelia Labayna peacefully passed away in her home on Sunday, May 21, 2023. 

Amelia was born December 1, 1924, in Manila, Philippines to Basilio, a Lawyer and Josefa, a school teacher.  She was the eldest of four children and was nicknamed “Baby” and “Bea” by her family and “Amy” to her co-workers.  She had three siblings, her brother Pedro, and two sisters, Rose and Senen.

She attended the University of the Philippines and continued her education at National Teachers College and obtained her Bachelors of Arts Degree in Education.  She worked as an elementary school teacher for over 20 years, at first, at a Chinese Private School, and then at other Public Elementary Schools.

She married Dr. Anacleto “Al” Labayna, who is known to friends and family as “Doc” because of his profession as a Dentist.  Amelia and Anacleto had five children: Josefina, Julieta, Edgardo, Eduardo and John.  Together they brought up their family in a home they built in an ancestral property in Sampaloc, Manila.

In 1968, Anacleto immigrated to the United States in hopes of better opportunities for his family, while Amelia stayed with their children in the Philippines. In 1973, the family immigrated to the United States and settled in Hollywood, California.

Amelia and Anacleto bought two houses that were adjacent to each other, in Hollywood, California.  One of her proudest accomplishments was being able to pay off the houses 5 years ahead of time. Tragically, Anacleto, passed away August 1981.

Amelia worked in the insurance and banking industries for over 15 years before her retirement in 1990.

After her retirement, she enjoyed her time traveling in Europe and going on cruises. She also enjoyed going to the casinos and playing slot machines. She enjoyed a majority of her time taking care of her grandchildren or spending time with them. She had six grandchildren: Jerel, Niles, Ryan, Francesca, Kirshna and Sean. Her pastimes were crocheting, sewing and she also found joy cooking for her children and grandchildren.

Amelia was the cornerstone and matriarch of the family. She made sure the family got together during holidays and special occasions. She always made sure that all the preparations were done and everybody was present.  During those times, she shopped for gifts and made certain those were personalized for each family member. Her generosity and kindness did not stop with her family, but also to extended families and friends. She was always good at listening to them and helping them through problems they encountered in life and work. She was always a nurturing and kind spirit that everyone loved. In her life she strived to do the right thing and made sure that her children did the same. She truly was a woman of character and integrity who feared and depended in The Lord. She will be missed greatly.

Viewing will be held at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, Visitation Room B (2^nd Floor), 6300 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles, California on June 8, 2023 (Thursday) between the hours of 9:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Funeral Services will be held at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills the following day at Church of the Hills (White Church) at 9:30 am.  Interment to follow.

Reception will be held immediately following the service at Fuji Buffet and Grill, 300 Harvey Drive, Glendale, California at 11:30 am.