Josefina M. Alura

Josefina “Pening” Montes Alura, age 92 passed away peacefully on the morning of Monday, August 14, 2023 at her memory care residence in Chino, California.

She will fondly be remembered for her love of dancing, her joy in being surrounded by family and friends, her service in East Los Angeles, through the LA Unified School District, as both an ESL and Social Studies teacher, as well as a teacher of Citizenship for those seeking to become permanent U.S. residents. Pening loved teaching at every level, from children to adults.

Pening was born in the Philippines on September 18, 1930 in the town of Borongan in Eastern Samar. It was here that she played and grew up, temporarily lived in the nearby mountains during World War II, learned the traditional Filipino dances, and met her future husband, Fernando “Dan” Alura.

In later life, Pening and her husband Dan, lived in Chino Hills and were both very active in the Filipino - American Seniors Association. She participated in their meetings, enjoyed their trips and events, and with Dan, was a member of their performing dance troupe.

Together, Pening and Dan left California to do ministry work in the Philippines. While Dan pastored the local church, Pening managed the Compassion International program. This project provided lunch and pre-school education for the local children. She is remembered in Eastern Samar as someone who was generously ready to support those in need of necessities or education.

Pening is survived by her children, Rhona, Myrna, Jhona, and Nelson, as well as her grandchildren: Aarika, Cassie, Cameron, Jacqueline, Garrett, Sarah, Jordan, and David.

Visitation with the family will be from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, on Monday, August 28, 2023, in the Magnolia Room of Forest Lawn in Covina Hills.

The funeral service will be held at 12:00 PM, on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at Church of the Heritage, Forest Lawn, Covina Hills. Interment to follow after the service.