Luningning Valmonte

On the evening of May 6th, 2024, Luningning Valmonte passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the age of 68 in Los Angeles, California. She made her final journey to Los Angeles accompanied by her sister Nene, returning to the place she called home for the majority of her life. The long and difficult journey they endured traveling from Pescara, to Rome, then to Los Angeles was a testament of their unbreakable bond, and display of collective strength and determination to reunite with loved ones.

Auntie Baby or simply Baby as she was known by her beloved family and friends, was born on March 9th, 1956, in Cabanatuan City, Philippines, and was the beloved youngest daughter of Dolores and Isagani Valmonte. After studying at Far Eastern University and University of Santo Tomas, Auntie Baby embarked on an exciting career as a stewardess, a role that she cherished deeply and spoke of fondly through her captivating stories. Her adventurous spirit led her to traverse the skies with Philippine Airlines and Yemen Airways. In addition to being a stewardess, Auntie Baby found fulfillment in various roles in retail, real estate, and management of an Italian bed and breakfast, always drawn to jobs that allowed her to share her exuberant and sociable personality with the world. Her many bright and colorful coordinated outfits expressed her energetic character.

Baby's life was grounded by her unwavering faith and devoted family values. She ensured that no birthday or holiday passed without a warm greeting to each of her nieces and nephews. For 13 memorable years, she shared her life with her late husband Carl Borchording and their beloved dog, Shadow. Throughout many of her adult years, Baby shared her home with her mother, Dolores, in Los Angeles, serving as a loving companion and caregiver.

In her years as a stewardess in the 70s, Baby met Franco Stella, and the two of them shared a remarkable international love together. Though their lives took them on different paths, fate reunited them decades later and they proclaimed their love as husband and wife. With her enthusiastic spirit, Baby easily embraced Italian lifestyle and culture, mastering the language and welcoming any loved ones who visited her with home-made Italian food and warm hospitality. Italy was her home for over 10 years, and she adored her close Italian friends and family.

As the youngest of five siblings, Auntie Baby leaves behind her three brothers and one sister: Mario, Jun, Sunny, and Nene, as well as many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews, all of whom will carry forth her legacy of love, laughter, and unbridled joy. Though Auntie Baby is no longer with us, her charismatic and vibrant spirit will forever illuminate the lives of all who were blessed to know her.

In celebration of Auntie Baby's extraordinary life, a gathering of family and friends will be held during two vigils on Thursday May 30th and Friday May 31st at Forest Lawn Covina Hills at the Church of our Heritage, where cherished memories will be shared. The funeral service will take place on Saturday, June 1st at the same location. Please join us as we celebrate Baby’s life and share memories, messages, and photos below.