Carmelita N. Gumarang

Carmelita Gumarang, affectionately known as "Patola", Tita Oh, or Carmelits, passed away on December 18, 2025, in Los Angeles, California. Born on July 13, 1941, in Santa Cruz, Manila, Philippines, she lived a life filled with kindness, humility, and generosity that touched all who knew her.

Carmelita dedicated a significant portion of her life to her career, working for 25 years as a Food Service Worker at Kaiser Permanente Hospital in Los Angeles after having spent 14 years in the medical records department at North General Hospital (now Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center) in the Philippines. Her strong work ethic and dedication to service were hallmarks of her professional life, and she earned respect and admiration from her colleagues.

She spent her early years in Guimba, Nueva Ecija and San Lazaro (Sta. Cruz), Manila. Carmelita pursued her education at Centro Escolar University, earning a high school diploma and a Bachelor of Science degree in Food and Nutrition. These achievements laid the foundation for a thriving career in the healthcare industry. Throughout her time working at hospitals, her passion for helping others and commitment to her work left a lasting impact on both her coworkers and the patients she served. Carmelita's career was a true testament to her dedication, hard work, and compassion for others.

Carmelita was not one to dwell in the kitchen, yet she had a particular fondness for making pancit malabon and spaghetti, which showcased her cultural roots and added warmth to gatherings with friends and family. She loved going out to her favorite restaurant for Chinese food with her friends and family. An avid socializer, she thrived on connecting with friends and family, frequently catching up over Filipino game shows and music from her younger years. In her latter years, she took to scrolling through her iPad to stay in touch via Facebook, remaining ever engaged with loved ones.

The memories of Carmelita will be kept alive by her family, including her beloved children: Daniel, Allan, and Carmela. She is also survived by daughters-in-law Jeanette and Pauline, and her cherished grandchildren: Lauren, Lily, Layla, Grace, Joy, and Clark. She is mourned by her sisters, Concepcion and Cresencia. Carmelita's vibrant personality and love for life will always be remembered by those who knew her. Carmelita's presence will be deeply missed. Her family finds comfort in the knowledge that she is now at peace, surrounded by the love and light that she shared with others throughout her life.

Carmelita was predeceased by her husband, Bruno, her mother, Victoria, her father, Elpidio, and her brother, Conrado, whose memories will be forever in the hearts of her family.

Carmelita's visitation will take place on January 9, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Forest Lawn - Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles. A funeral service will follow on January 10, 2026, from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM at Forest Lawn - Hollywood Hills - Old North Church.

Her legacy of warmth, care, and resilience will continue to inspire those fortunate enough to have known her.