Orleta Pascuala De Leon

Orleta Pascuala Torres de Leon, 71, passed away on December 28, 2016 in Long Beach, CA, after a year-long battle with lung cancer. She was surrounded by the love and support of family and friends throughout her fight, especially during her last Christmas season.

Orleta was born on May 14, 1945, in Tanza, Cavite, Philippines to Elisa and Mamerto Torres. She graduated from St. Rita College of Nursing in Manila. Her degree allowed her to immigrate to the United States in 1969 where she lived and worked as a nurse in Chicago, IL.

In 1971, she met Gregorio de Leon. They married on June 17, 1972 at the Holy Rosary Church. In 1973, Olivia was born. Shortly after, the family moved to Southern California and Cecille was born in 1974.

Her Nursing career spanned 38 years, taking time off to raise the children when they were young. Orleta loved animals (especially dogs) and enjoyed playing and winning the slots at the casinos, working in the yard, travelling the world, shopping, attending mass, reading, and visiting her children in Indiana/Virginia and New Jersey.

Orleta is remembered most for…

Her love of travel. She travelled to Japan, Italy, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Liechtenstein, London, Scotland, Paris, Denmark, Turkey, Israel (Holy Land, Jerusalem, Dead Sea, Petra, climbed Mt. Sinai), Morocco, Marrakesh, Egypt, China, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, Vancouver, Vietnam, Macau, Germany, Amsterdam, Austria, Belgium, Australia, Norway, Copenhagen, Scandinavia, Nashville, Graceland, Wisconsin, Michigan, Niagara Falls, Alaska, Grand Canyon, Mt. Rushmore, Yellowstone, Utah, Yosemite, Seattle, Kentucky, New Orleans, San Francisco, Indiana, Washington DC, New York City, Philadelphia, and of course, Las Vegas and the Philippines.

The lightness and simplicity of her presence. There was always something very regal and demure with how she carried herself. She was quiet, but had a very warm presence.

Her kindness and generosity. From always offering a helping hand when our family was in need and sharing her balato, to making sure we had a fridge with groceries and the kids were full of ice cream, fried chicken, and pizza. Her generosity was felt by family members here in the states to the Philippines.

Her incredible strength. From her staunch Democratic beliefs to fighting cancer, she never let up on what she believed in and wanted to do.

Always smiling, laughing, and giggling. Especially while Greg would share stories of how their wonderful life together began. She found humor in anything, especially silly things.

The way she made you feel like you were home, you belonged, and you were family. She and Greg took many of us in when we immigrated to the United States. Whether it was offering pajamas, a rice cooker, or food – she always cared for the well-being of those around her.

Her good luck. She almost always won LRC and often won big at the casinos.

Her love. Of Greg, family, dogs, Elvis, orchids, roses, and all cute things.

Her hobbies. Such as crocheting, playing with prints and patterns, going to the casino (and winning), shopping through her catalogues, traveling and gardening.

Orleta is survived by her husband, Gregorio; daughters, Olivia and her husband Marty of Weehawken NJ and Cecille and her husband Hao-Han of Mechanicsville VA; 2 grandsons, Nathan and Jeremy; their family dog, Rocco; siblings, Crispulo and his wife Luisa of Long Beach CA and Victoria and her husband Rodolfo of Carson CA; nieces and nephews: Chriztine, Valachi, Christopher, Chrissa, Christian, Jillian and her husband Karlo, J'Aimee and Jourdan; grand nephews, Marcus and Mikhail Endo.

Orleta is predeceased by her father and mother, Mamerto and Elisa.