Nicolasa "Laling" Gomez La Torre

Nicolasa "Laling" Gomez La Torre, aged 78, passed away January 19, 2014 at Queen of the Valley Hospital in West Covina, CA. She was born on December 5, 1935 in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines.

Born to Rufina and Hilarion Gomez, Laling was the third oldest of ten siblings (and one of of two sisters). She was perhaps most known for her voice, performing traditional and classic Filipino songs in competitions and karaoke parties alike. As a young adult, she moved to Manila to attend Far Eastern University, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce in 1960. She received her recognition as a Certified Public Accountant from the Philippines Board of Accountancy in 1964.

Determined to create a better life for herself and her family, she bought a one-way plane ticket and traveled to the United States in 1970, with nothing but some luggage and $200 in her pocket. She managed to find some work for a couple months as a clerk in East Los Angeles, when a huge opportunity arose and she applied for and landed a job at health insurance company Blue Cross, where she remained a loyal employee for 25 years. She was naturalized as a U.S citizen in 1976.

Laling gave birth to her only child Jack DeJesus in 1974. Mostly a single mother, she raised her son gracefully on her own, and showered him with unconditional love. She also took in and became the primary caretaker for several family members, including her father Hilarion (deceased), and her brothers Ricardo (deceased) and Bernardo, as well as her stepson Noel. She purchased a house in Koreatown where she lived for over 30 years before relocating to Ontario, CA, then West Covina, CA.

She also demonstrated her spirit of generosity in other ways, such as supporting her siblings in their schooling and petitioning some family members to move to the U.S.

Laling also was a devout Catholic, and devoted much of her time and energy as a member and officer of Banal Na Pag-aaral (BNP), participating in prayer groups, Fatima devotions, retreats, vigils, and choir activities.

She is survived by her son, Jack, and her brothers Nemesio, Ceferino, Rodolfo, Bernardo, Julito, and Ursicio, and countless nieces, nephews, extended De Jesus and La Torre family members, and close friends.

There will be a private service for family and friends at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles, CA. We would like to thank all of those who cared for her during her last few months of illness, as well as those who have offered condolences and support.

In lieu of flowers, we are accepting donations to help with funeral costs. The online donation link is below. (To pay with a credit card, look for the section in the bottom left hand side that says "Don't have a PayPal account?" then click "continue")

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